Helping people declutter their homes and lives means that we typically end up identifying lots of things that end up in the donate/toss pile. And, as mindful organizers, we try to find places to recycle as many of the goods in the “to go” pile as possible. Our first recycling installment was for clothing, shoes and textiles but this time we are focusing on technology, electronics and batteries. Now, you will finally know what to do with those old VCRs and Walk-mans.

Happy Organizing!

CATEGORY: General Recycling Resources

Earth911.com: Earth911 is the place to look for insight on how to recycle almost anything - with over 350 materials and 100,000+ listings, it is one of North America's most extensive recycling databases. Simply enter in the material you are trying to recycle along with your zip code and click search.

CATEGORY: E-Waste (General)

Green Disk ($): GreenDisk offers two full-service collection box options that include the box, all transportation, the destruction of content on media, and recycling of associated material – the GreenDisk Technotrash can and the GreenDisk eMedia Recycler. Click here for a link to all the items they will accept for recycling.

Terracycle: TerraCycle® has created a free recycling program for a variety of electronics including: standard cell phones, smart phones, iPhones, select inkjet cartridges, laptops, notebooks, netbooks, iPads and tablets. Collect the items, print a label and ship.

Staples: Recycle your old, unwanted technology at your local Staples® store. They will responsibly and securely recycle them at no cost — any brand, any condition, even if you purchased it somewhere else.

Best Buy: Best Buy will take all kinds of used technology, regardless of where you bought it, how old it is or who made it. You can recycle up to three items per household per day (see categories below for state-specific info, and different limitations on TVs, computer monitors and laptops).

CATEGORY: E-Waste (Brand Specific)

Apple Trade In: Trade in your eligible device for credit toward your next purchase or get an Apple Store Gift Card you can use anytime. If your device isn’t eligible for credit, they will recycle it for free.

Microsoft Trade In: Trade in your eligible device for credit toward your next Samsung purchase.

Microsoft / RLG Americas: Covered electronic equipment can be dropped off for free at one of their collection sites or, if you cannot get to a drop-off site and live anywhere in New York State, take advantage of their mail-back option. Accepted items include by aren’t limited to: computers, TVs, Fax Machines, Scanners, Printers, VCRs, etc.

Microsoft/Sims Web Return: If you’re not using that electronic device anymore, send it to Microsoft! They will make sure that your product is safely recycled at one of Sims Recycling Solutions domestic processing facilities where a zero-landfill policy and proven sustainability give you peace of mind in knowing that your electronics will be managed responsibly. The cart will accept 10 items and generate a label for each item. Individual items may be combined into a single package with a weight limitation of 70 pounds per package, and any unused labels may be discarded.

CATEGORY: Cell Phones

Secure the Call: Secure the Call is a nonprofit charity that provides free 911 emergency-only cell phone to Domestic Violence Centers, Senior Citizen Centers, Police and Sheriff departments. The phones we provide our “community partners” are in turn given back to the community and used to contact the Police in the case of an emergency.

Cell Phones for Soldiers: Cell Phones For Soldiers is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing cost-free communication services and emergency funding to active-duty military members and veterans. They accept any and all types of cell phones from any carrier. Newer, gently-used mobile devices, including smartphones, are preferred; however, proceeds are generated from the recycling of broken and outdated mobile phones. Donations of chargers and accessories are also welcome.

Verizon Wireless Hope Line: HopeLine gives consumers a way to help prevent domestic violence by donating no- longer used wireless phones and accessories from any service provider in any condition by mail, in Verizon Wireless Communications Store or at special events held throughout the year

CATEGORY: Batteries

Call2Recycle: The Call2Recycle program offers flexible recycling options for rechargeable and single-use batteries through individual box or bulk quantities. Purchase one of the Call2Recycle kits to handle your used batterie or drop off your old batteries for free at thousands of convenient locations across the U.S., including Verizon, The Home Depot, Lowe’s and Staples.

CATEGORY: Ink & Toner

Staples: Members are eligible to receive Ink Recycling Rewards on ink and toner recycling, if the member has spent at least $30 in ink and/or toner purchases at Staples over the previous 180 days.

Office Depot: Members are eligible to receive rewards on recycling ink and toner in-store when you make a $10 qualifying purchase during the same month. Rewards are paid out monthly online only as a reward certificate.