wineandbikes

I can’t imagine that I’m unique in having a hard time just throwing away an old phone, computer, or iPod.
However, the  “old technology” pile has grown to take up way too large a percentage of the square footage of a New York apartment.

Although this random assortment of obsolete devices may have their greatest value as paperweights, all that metal and all those microchips should  be worth something to someone.  The thought of all that non-biodegradable them sitting in the bottom of a landfill (times several million residents) is enough to make me sick.

Until recently, though, the only place in NYC  to recycle old technology has been the LES Ecology Centers’ eWaste initiative.

So I was pleasantly surprised to find that the legislature has been busy outlawing throwing these sorts of things out, starting in 2015 while the recycling section of the NYC.gov website offers some great option for buyback programs.

Yep – that’s right, you may be able to get some cash for your old stuff.

However, a reverse caveat emptor is in order in this case (seller beware).  The sites differ wildly in their offer amounts and there’s no consistent rule that one is better than another.  (Check out two of my price comparisons below).

Also, shipping / pickup policies are different at different shops, so you’re not always comparing apples to apples.
Regardless of the takeback price achieved, it’s good to see that there are now a large number of options to sell (or recycle) your old stuff.

For my Android Incredible II
$20 at Gazelle
$20 at Buymytronics
$35 at Best Buy’s trade-in center$70 Verizon Trade In

$75 at YouRenew

$120 at J&R Music World

$156.50 at Amazon Trade In

For a MacBook 13″ Late 2007 model

J&R: $144
Yourenew: $147
Bymytronics: :$187
Best Buy: $270