Reducing Electronics Clutter for Spring

A client recently asked for advice on how to recycle old electronics and how to store and retrieve packaging and warranties for electronic items. 

To recycle old electronics, you can search the Internet for drop-off locations close to you.  Upper Saucon Township will hold its recycling drop-off of old electronics, appliances and other waste on Saturday April 14, 2012 from 8:30am to 2:00pm: http://www.uppersaucon.org/docs/cleanup_day_2012spring.pdf. 

On Saturday May 11 and Sunday May 12, 2012 from 9:00am to 3:00pm, there is an electronics, tire, automotive battery and freon-bearing items collection at Memorial Pool Parking Lot on Illick's Mill Road in Bethlehem.  To search how to recycle certain items in your area, go to http://earth911.com/.  You can enter the item you would like to recycle and where you are and the site will pull up local options for you.  

Verizon's HopeLine accepts old cell phone to help abused women at http://aboutus.verizonwireless.com/communityservice/hopeLine.html

Storage of your electronics packaging can be important if you plan to move with the item, sell the item or return it to the manufacturer.  In this case, evaluate whether you have a place to store your boxes together on shelves off the ground in case of water damage.  Modern electronic gadgets are becoming smaller so the boxes are manageable but our television sizes are expanding and these boxes might need a special space in the garage or basement where there is more room.

Warranties and owner's manuals can be grouped together in one place to be easily retrieved and can be purged as the items are no longer owned.  One option is an accordion folder as shown in the photo.  I encourage grouping by the item name instead of by manufacturer name for easier recall.  You can also use a filing cabinet if you own many electronic items.