MONONGALIA COUNTY -
'Tis the season for new phones, computers and video gaming systems.
From early Black Friday shopping deals to the prized items on people's lists, Christmas and electronics go hand in hand.
New technology in means old technology out, so what do you do with it?
Recycling may be the best option.
"If you're wanting to get rid of them, you should find a place like PC Renewal here to properly dispose and recycle electronics," said Chase Hixson of PC Renewal.
The Electronics Take Back Coalition said about 68 percent of consumers stockpile their old electronics at home.
Recycling prevents toxic chemicals in batteries and screens from ending up in landfills.
"We break it down," said Hixson, "and then make sure everything is sent out to proper de-manufacturing facilities. That way, everything is actually literally recycled for its base materials"
But recycling electronics is about more than being green. Destroying data on computer hard drives and phones is important to secure private information.
"Even if you think you've wiped out your information, there are ways to get those phone numbers, text messages, all that is actually stored on your phone," Hixson said.
Options like hard drive shredding can physically destroy any remnants of the information.
Not everything is recyclable. PC Renewal cannot handle major appliances, such as items with Freon or television sets, but all other items can be dropped off for free.
To get rid of a TV, contact your local waste disposal provider.
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