Getting rid of old tech is complicated, with many stores and organizations making a lot of demands before they accept your product. Here’s how you can repurpose your old devices.
If you’re dumb like me, it’s really hard to sell used stuff. Although there have never been more outlets for getting rid of your old tech, there’s always that voice in the back of your head that reminds you of all you could do with that useless piece of junk. What if your phone breaks and you need an emergency spare? What if you need parts to build something great?
With each passing year technology developments improve and devices like phones, tablets and laptops grow much more dated. It’s fairly common to have a couple of these laying around in your house. Here are five things you can do with them:
Transform it into a digital photo frame
No one takes the time to print pictures anymore, which is why someone created digital picture frames. But they’re kind of pricey and look like a plain tablet. Although you can transform any device into a digital photo frame, an old tablet works best for purely aesthetic concerns. Clean it up, place it on a cheap stand, plug it into power, hide the cable and connect it to the Cloud. Both Android and Apple devices allow you to create slideshows, allowing you to start from any picture in your library or to have the device navigate within a specific folder.
RELATED: 4 Ways To Prevent Your Electronic Devices From Eavesdropping
Use it as your family planner
Leave any old device at home and use it as a family planner, letting everyone know who’s turn it is to do the dishes, complete chores, or use as a reminder for important events. If you place this device on the kitchen, you can also use it as a cookbook, to play music and podcasts when cooking or for adding items to your grocery list.
Recycle it
Instead of letting your old tech collect dust, you can recycle it. This process requires a bit of effort from you, but it is the most responsible thing to do. Call2Recycle is a great option, providing drop off locations where you can donate rechargeable batteries and old cellphones. In order to find a spot near you just enter your zip code at their website, Call2Recycle.org.
RELATED: How To Ensure Your Online Passwords Haven’t Been Stolen
Use it as your exclusive e-reader
Some people like to have different devices with specific functions, like a device that’s exclusively for music or another that’s just for reading. Download all the reading apps you need on your old device and take it with you, allowing you to read without distractions and social media temptations.
Donate it
If you fail at everything else, you can always donate it, which is pretty nice. Dell Reconnect is a partnership between Dell and Goodwill that accepts all computers, no matter their state. You can drop off the device at participating Goodwill stores around the country. AmericanCellPhoneDrive.org is a great option for recycling cellphones, accepting all brands and refurbishing or recycling them responsibly.
