I'm guessing I'm not the only one who upgrades their technology on a regular basis. But I'm also pretty sure that I'm not the only one who doesn’t like throwing away my old devices, especially if they still work.
There are a few things you can do with your old devices, some can make you money, others you will just need to be disposed of in a sensible manner. Here I will try and cover the most common devices you'll be trying to find new homes for.
Phones
This is probably the most common device that gets replaced when newer versions find their way onto the market, or your contract gets renewed and you get a shiny new handset for free. There are a fast array of places you can make money from your phone.
The most common websites for recycling are Music Magpie, Mazuma, Tesco's Mobile Recycle or O2 Recycle. I have used the O2 Recycle on more than one occasion and have found them to be pretty good, don’t change the price they offer and have a fast turnaround. You also have the option to select to be paid with an Amazon Voucher, for which you'll receive slightly more for your device.
Computers and Laptops
These are probably next on the list, along with TV's, but because they are more bulky, are harder to shift. Depending on the age of your computer or laptop you have a few options. If they are still working, you can probably sell them on Ebay, or the local classifieds. Also maybe sell them privately with links and pages on social networking sites like Twitter of Facebook.
Another option is to open them up (providing you’re pretty competent and experienced in this area) and sell the parts on their own or reuse parts. Hard Drives can be wiped and used or sold elsewhere. The processor, motherboard and memory can be sold as well. Graphics card, depending on how powerful they are, still hold good value, especially if they were top of the range when you got it or can still play some of the newer games now. Keyboard, mice, speakers and monitors can all be reused on your new computer, or sold separately, so keeping these could save you some money instead of replacing them if they are still in fairly good nick.
A final option, if you still want keep the device and are stuck for uses, then maybe try expanding your knowledge and install a Linux operating system, which is free, and work well on older machines. Ubuntu is fairly popular at the moment, or turn it into a network fileserver for storing images and videos on. You could even turn it into a simple computer for your kids to play on; Doudou Linux and Qimo4Kids are two options.
TV’s and Monitors
With the leap from Standard definition, to HD, to Full HD, to 3D and with 4K on the horizon, keeping up takes a hit to your hard earned cash. Can you make any of that back with your old set? Well, I’m afraid on the most part that answer is no. But if your TV is still fairly new, there might be a chance there is someone out there willing to give it a home. If it still works, probably best to see if you can find a new place for it in your own home. Will it replace an even older one somewhere else? Or does a friend or relative require an upgrade. Can it be stored as a backup if you really don’t want to let go of it?
If you’ve still got a CRT screen (Cathode Ray Tube), which is a non-flat screen to the people who don’t speak techie, then it’s too old to realistically make any money from it. Best thing for this is to dispose and recycle it sensibly (more details below).
Games Consoles
Games consoles still can fetch good money on places like ebay, or car boots sales. But if you can, I would try and keep these, at least for a few years. Consoles that became iconic, like the Nes, can still fetch over £100 if in relatively good condition and still boxed. Even if you don’t think you’ll play these consoles again, younger gamers you might know, who aren’t really up to playing MMORG just yet, may find some joy in and keep they quiet for 5 minutes playing the simple games like Crash Bandicoot on PS1 or 2.
Other tech
Hopefully I’ve covered a lot of tech above, anything else like networking devices can still be used to extend your current network, or sold on ebay which I purchased most of my home network gear from. If they are still fairly new, Amazon allows you to sell second hand stuff as well. DVD players and Stereo’s don’t really fetch much nowadays as you can purchase them new for a reasonable price with Bluetooth and network capabilities. I would suggest trying the usual routes of selling second hand goods would be your best chance or regaining any money there.
Other options
You can either donate them to family or friends, or to Charity shops. But some charity shops will be picky depending on what you bring in because they already know what they can/cannot sell. But this can sometimes be the last resort if you still want it to find a new home. Remember to clear any hard drives and storage space you have on those devices before handing them over to other people.
Recycle
If you really cannot find a new home for your device, your last option really is to recycle it. Please do not just throw away stuff that can be recycled easily. Contact your council, or check their website for where you can take your old tech. Most places take TV’s, computers and other devices and dispose of them properly.
Most electronic devices contain hazardous elements like lead, cadmium, chlorine, mercury or arsenic. So make sure you dispose of them sensibility which will help keep the cost of future electronics down, saving you money in the future!