Getting Rid of Your Old Tablets, Laptops, and Phones the Smart Way (Malaysia)

With more and more people adopting electrical devices, Malaysia’s e-waste (old tablets, laptops and phones) problem is becoming more prominent. Nowadays, many people own smartwatches, headphones, tablets, smartphones and many others, but not many know how to properly dispose of them once they can no longer be used.

E-waste must be disposed of properly because it contains plastic, metals, and harmful chemical substances and minerals. When left in landfills, they can pose severe threats to public health and the environment.

Read on to learn what you can do with your old tablets, laptops and phones in Malaysia.

Three Ways to Recycle Your Old Devices

1. Give It Another Purpose

Save the environment, and don’t throw away your old tablets or laptops. Ask around; you never know if a family member or friend needs a tablet or laptop. As the saying goes, one man’s trash is another man’s treasure.

You can also repurpose your old tablets and laptops. Turn your old tablet into an e-reader or keep it in your kitchen to enhance your cooking experience. You can also do the same with your old laptops. Convert the laptop into a gaming server or use it as an external monitor.

You can do so much with your old electronic devices instead of throwing them away.

2. Donate Your Old Appliances

Many charities collect old IT devices. They use them to help millions of people in the developing world gain access to technology and improve their lives. 

Your old tablets and laptops are especially useful nowadays during the COVID-19 pandemic. Many students in remote areas cannot attend school, but charities can use your old devices to give them access to online classes. Your old devices also provide businesses and charities with the tech resources needed to operate.

3. Sell Your Old Devices Online

Selling your old tablets, laptops, smartphones and other electronic devices online is a great way to earn money. There are many trusted platforms, like Facebook Marketplace and Carousell, where you can sell your used gadgets. 

Facebook Marketplace is great to sell locally and safer than other online selling platforms. Your phone number and email address are protected, and since it is tied directly to the buyers’ and sellers’ Facebook accounts, you can check on how credible the buyer or seller is.

Carousell is a community-centric marketplace where you can interact with other users with the same interests. It allows buyers and sellers to connect through buying and selling, and it offers payment options like cash on delivery and bank transfer.

Where can I recycle e-waste in Malaysia?

Throwing away your old tablets, laptops and phones into a landfill is a waste of valuable raw materials and pollutes the environment. The best approach is to recycle your e-waste at collection points and recyclers. Here are three ways you can do so in Malaysia.

1. Erth

Erth offers a free pick up service for your old tablets, laptops, phones and many more from your address and will pay you upon collection. Their goal is to make recycling easy and rewarding.

It’s a simple three-step process. Fill in the booking form, pass your items to their drivers and receive payment on the same day. Save the Earth all from the comfort of your own home!

2. Senheng’s e-Waste Recycling Program

Senheng’s e-Waste Recycling Program invites all Malaysians to dispose of their e-waste safely. 

Through this program, Senheng will offer cash vouchers for the non-bulky e-waste items brought to their outlets. Examples include projectors, old tablets, phones, laptops, VCD and DVD players.

Senheng will also provide a free pickup service for bulkier items. Items eligible for this service include TVs, refrigerators, washing machines and air conditioners.

3. Jabatan Alam Sekitar Malaysia

Get the latest updates about e-waste management in Malaysia at their official website. Learn about e-waste, stakeholder responsibilities and find your nearest collection centres and recovery facilities to send your old tablets, laptops and many more.

Editor’s Note

In Malaysia, it is not mandatory for consumers to send their old electrical items to e-waste at collection points and recyclers. However, we should all play a part in reducing e-waste in Malaysia to live in a safer environment and preserve it for future generations.

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