One of the concerns by both environmentalists and consumer electronics manufacturers is what to do with the increased number of electronics, such as old analog televisions (as a result of the analog to digital TV transition), DVD players, PCs, and other gear that is being disposed. As a result, there are a growing number of electronics recycling programs being implemented by communities, retailers, and manufacturers. As a result, there are a growing number of electronics recycling programs being implemented by communities, retailers, and manufacturers.
On the other hand, there are other ways to make use of old or discarded audio and video products that may be piling up in your garage. Check out some useful tips on how you can recycle old home theater electronics equipment.
Make Your Old Home Theater System A Secondary System
Here is a very practical use for your old home theater audio/video gear. Once you have finished your new home theater setup, take your old components and set up a second system in another room. Your old gear might be the perfect fit for bedroom, home office, or family recreation room. Also, if you have an enclosed patio, you might find your gear might work there as well. Also, if you have always wanted to redo your garage, or your basement, as a home entertainment room, recycling your old audio and video gear in such an environment might be a great way to add some fun for the family.Give Relatives Your Audio and Video Equipment Hand-me-Downs
When I was in high school, I was really into audio and was always on the lookout for anything that might work to add some "class" to my room environment. Needless to say, I had a habit poking around my relatives' garages to see if there was an old amplifier or radio that I could "borrow". If you have a young relative that you know is a "gadget guru" or an aspiring audio or videophile, this may be a great way to find a good home for your old audio and video gear.Give Away Or Sell Old Audio and Video Equipment To Friends
Do you have friends constantly coming over to enjoy your home theater system? If so, when you upgrade, a close friend might give your old gear a great home, and they may be very appreciative. If you don't want the hassle of putting up your old gear for sale to strangers, why not consider selling, or giving, some of your old audio video equipment a close friend?Donate Your Old Audio and Video Equipment
Donation is a practical, as well as a socially satisfying way, to give your old audio video equipment a new home. Check with a local school, church, or community organization to see if they could use, or would like, some gear that can provide some fun entertainment. Even consider your old VHS tapes that you might not want anymore if all they are doing is collecting dust. You might also consider donating your gear to an organization, such as the Salvation Army or Goodwill, for resale in their thrift stores. Depending on the value of your donated gear, you might also qualify for a Federal Income Tax Deduction, and these days, any way to lower your taxes is a good thing.Sell Your Old Home Theater Equipment At A Garage Or Yard Sale
Everybody loves a good deal, and although Garage Sales have a lot of junk, they can also hide some gems. One item that is popular at garage sales is Loudspeakers. If they are not damaged, you may find that you can sell them very easily if you price them right. Before you price your speakers, or other electronics gear, such as an old receiver, for sale, you might want to do a little detective work on the web and see if they are selling and what they might be worth.
For some great tips on how to plan Garage and Yard Sales, check out following articles by other About.com Guides:
Yard Sales (About.com - Flea Markets).
Garage Sales - Turning Junk Into Cash (About.com - Couponing).
Sell Your Old Home Theater Equipment On eBay
This is a very popular method of selling products and many people actually make a lucrative living off selling items on eBay. Sometimes, what you think might not be worth much, may end up getting some very high bids on eBay. If you are adventurous, and have a little time, you might try this method of selling your old gear and see what results you get. Check out the eBay Website for more details.Consumer Electronics Association - Greener Gadgets.org
If you want to be more eco-conscious, but don't know where to start, Greener Gadgets.org is a great place to check out. The website is sponsored by the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA), the same folks that put on the annual Consumer Electronics Show CES.
This site has extensive resources, including how to find a local electronics recycling center in your area, and energy calculator than can give you a good idea on how much energy your home theater gear and appliances consume, as well as tips on buying green, emerging technology trends, and more. For more details, check out my previously posted overview, or go directly to Greener Gadgets.org (Note: You may have disable any added top frame to view the site).
