What to Do with Old Keyboards: A Guide to Recovery, Recycling, and Upcycling
I. Emptying and Disassembling
Old keyboards can be a significant source of electronic waste, but they can also be a great opportunity to recover valuable parts and materials. Before you start disassembling your old keyboard, make sure to unplug the power cord and any other peripherals to prevent any accidents.
- Empty the keyboard’s switches, keys, and other components to prevent any damage from dust or debris.
- Take out the keyboard’s battery (if it has one) and any other removable parts, such as the LCD screen or fans.
II. E-waste Disposal
If you’re unsure about what to do with your old keyboard, or if you can’t disassemble it, it’s time to consider e-waste disposal options.
- Local Recycling Centers: Check with your local waste management agency to see if they offer e-waste recycling programs. Many cities and towns have designated recycling centers that accept electronic waste, including keyboards.
- Earth911: Use Earth911’s online recycling guide to find a local recycling center near you that accepts keyboards.
- UPS’s Electronics Recycling Program: UPS offers a free electronics recycling program that allows you to drop off your old keyboard and other electronic waste.
III. Electronics Recycling Centers
If you’re not sure where to take your old keyboard or if you want to take it home to recycle, you can also find electronics recycling centers in your area.
- e-Stewards: e-Stewards is a non-profit organization that provides a network of electronics recycling centers across North America. Find a center near you on their website.
- Best Buy’s Recycling Program: Best Buy offers a free electronics recycling program that allows you to drop off your old keyboard and other electronic waste.
IV. Upcycling and Repurposing
Old keyboards can be repurposed into new devices, such as:
- Keyboards: Turn your old keyboard into a keyboard again! You can repurpose the switches, keys, and other components to create a new keyboard.
- Mouse Stands: Use the keyboard’s legs to create a new mouse stand.
- Desk Organizer: Use the keyboard’s keys and switches to create a new desk organizer for your office supplies.
V. Materials Recovery
Old keyboards can also be recycled for valuable materials such as:
- Metal: Printers and keyboards often contain metal components, such as switches and bearings. You can collect these metal components and sell them to a metal recycling facility.
- Plastics: Keyboards often contain plastic components, such as the keyboard’s casing or switches. You can collect these plastics and sell them to a plastic recycling facility.
- Copper: Keyboards often contain copper switches, which can be sold to a copper recycling facility.
VI. Battery Recycling
Old keyboards often contain rechargeable batteries, such as lithium-ion or nickel-cadmium. You can recycle these batteries at a local electronics recycling center or by taking them to a drop-off location.
- Battery Recycling Program: Many cities and towns have battery recycling programs that accept old batteries. Check with your local waste management agency to see if they have a program in place.
- Battery Recycling Centers: Find a battery recycling center near you on the website of a major electronics retailer, such as Best Buy or Apple.
VII. Green Cleaning
Old keyboards can harbor dust, dirt, and other particles that can negatively impact indoor air quality. To clean your old keyboard, use a gentle cleaning solution and a soft cloth to avoid damaging the switches or other components.
- Mix a Cleaning Solution: Mix 1 tablespoon of white vinegar with 1 tablespoon of water to create a gentle cleaning solution.
- Clean the Keyboard: Use the cleaning solution to wipe down the keyboard, paying attention to the switches, keys, and other components.
- Dry the Keyboard: Use a soft cloth to dry the keyboard and prevent any water spots or mineral deposits.
VIII. Documenting and Archiving
If you’re disposing of your old keyboard or have already recycled it, you may want to document its components and materials for future reference.
- Take a Photo: Take a photo of the keyboard’s components and materials to document their recovery and recycling.
- Record the Information: Record the materials recovered, such as metal, plastics, or copper, and the quantity of each item.
- Keep a Ledger: Keep a record of the materials recovered and the disposal method used.
By following these steps, you can minimize the impact of your old keyboard on the environment and recover valuable materials to repurpose or recycle. Remember to always check with your local waste management agency or electronics recycling center for specific guidelines on what can be recycled and what cannot.