Consumer Reports: How To Get Cash For Old Electronics
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – Got an old computer stashed in a storage room?
Or an ancient cell phone junked in a kitchen drawer?
Just in time for Earth Day, Consumer Reports ShopSmart Magazine has some advice on what to do with your old electronics – and you could make some money in the process.
Like many of us, Amy Werner has amassed quite a collection of old gadgets, including a tablet, a phone and a laptop.
"The electronics in the basement are just collecting dust because we don't know what to do with them," she said.
But that pile of used electronics could end up being worth something.
"If your gadget is new enough, you can actually turn it in for cash or a gift card," said Lisa Freeman with Consumer Reports.
In ShopSmart's search, a Samsung Galaxy S-2 fetched $94. And an Apple iPad 2 got $190.
ShopSmart found the website Glyde often quoted the highest prices.
Amazon proved best for random gadgets, like hard drives and speakers.
And NextWorth allows you to send items in or drop them off at stores, including Target.
"You really have to check different sites, at different times because we found that prices vary from site to site, and prices can change over time, too," said Freeman.
If the price you're offered doesn't seem worth it, consider a donation.
Cristina.org connects you with local organizations that accept old electronics. Of course, some items are just not wanted by anyone, but you should still recycle them responsibly.
Stores such as Staples and Best Buy will take old computers off your hands, or drop them off at a local recycling center.
At the very least, you can keep more junk out of the landfills. And whatever you do with your old electronics, be sure to wipe them clean of all your personal data first.
For more information on how to wipe electronics clean of personal data, visit: ShopSmart.org.
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