LANCASTER COUNTY, Pa. — Out with the old and in with the new.
Big holiday shopping events are around the corner and that means donation centers are ready to take in people’s unwanted tech.
“We look at it as the first use is re-use. Can we pass this on throughout retail stores to a consumer who can use it for its intended purpose?” said Bruce Brockman, Vice President of Operations with Goodwill Keystone Area.
Brockman’s been with Goodwill for nearly a decade and says it’s around this time of year when stores receive more stock.
“I can’t really say technology donations or any type, but typically we always saw an increase from Christmas to New Year's Day,” Brockman said.
Meanwhile, officials with the Lancaster County Solid Waste Management Authority say the facility receives more of what power’s electronics than the electronics themselves.
“We do see an influx of older electronics being disposed of, in which that, the growing concerns around the proper way to handle batteries, specifically lithium-ion batteries, which are in quite a bit of electronics,” said Executive Director Daniel Youngs.
Improperly disposed batteries have the potential to ignite fires and cause significant environmental damage.
“It’s all about managing risk and so one of the things we want to make sure is proper disposal and having those outlets,” Youngs said.
Experts with PennEnvironment, a policy and action group, released Fixed for the Holidays, a shopping guide with tips for buying refurbished electronics at a good deal.
Buying refurbished can cut the environmental impact of gifting a smartphone by 91% according to the guide.
Buying refurbished is also 15-20% less expensive than buying new.
For a complete list of donatable items accepted by Goodwill Keystone Area, click here.
Electronics can be dropped off at LCSWMA Household Hazardous Waste Facility Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturdays from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m.