Seattle Maison

January / February 2017

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One of the most exemplary is Dell's. Through its Reconnect computer recycling program, you can drop off any brand of used equipment in any condition at more than 2,000 participating Goodwill donation centers. It's free, and you'll get a receipt for tax purposes. The DellReconnect website has a list of the products that are accepted, and you can enter your ZIP code to find the nearest location. The company also offers free pickup of its products by FedEx, even if you're not buying a new Dell product. You just print a label through the company's website, package the item, and either drop it off at a FedEx location or call for a pickup. And if you're buying a Dell product, the company will pick up non-Dell products when you select the free recycling option at the time of purchase. Dell doesn't provide packing material, but you can use the box from your new equipment. Dell also takes back spent ink and toner cartridges. You can drop them off at a Staples store or mail them by printing a free shipping label. Apple provides free recycling of any brand of computer. If the item has monetary value, the company will apply the value to an Apple gift card. Return an iPod to an Apple Retail Store (or mail it in) for a 10 percent purchase discount on a purchase of a new iPod at an Apple store. Apple also offers a trade in program. For outmoded cell phones, some manufacturers and most cellular service providers have recycling programs in place through their stores and authorized dealers, accepting all carriers' equipment for recycling and reuse in take- back programs. Pay It Forward The best option, really, is to give your old technology to someone who needs it more than you do. Find an organization that restores old tech and distributes it where it will do the most good. Seattle'sInterConnection.org, for example, will wipe everything from your device, reinstall an operating system and software, replace any broken bits, and distribute it to a nonprofit organization. If you're donating a laptop or a phone, you can mail it in, and InterConnection will pay the shipping, provided that it still works and is less than seven years old. The rest it sends to a certified recycler. Now, you can feel up to date with your brand new electronics (thanks Santa) AND live up to the well deserved Seattleite street cred of being environmentally conscience.

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