New guidelines promote responsible disposal of electronics to combat e-waste crisis

Many people have old electronics they no longer use, contributing to the growing e-waste problem. In 2022, 5.3 billion phones were discarded. New advice now emphasizes repairing, donating, or selling devices before recycling them. To extend the life of electronics, users can repurpose old devices or pass them on to others. Repair cafes and online resources like iFixit offer guidance for fixing gadgets. Selling or trading in devices can also provide some financial return. If reuse or repair isn't possible, responsible recycling is essential. Many retailers and manufacturers have programs to recycle old electronics, including batteries. Certified recycling facilities ensure proper handling of e-waste to protect the environment.