These days, it seems like almost everybody is gaming. As great as this is, it’s also creating a worldwide waste problem, as not many people are willing (or able) to recycle their old consoles and devices. If you’re searching for useful information on this, then you’ve come to the right place.
By 2023, there will be over 3 billion gamers worldwide according to FinancesOnline – which isn’t far away from being half of the total population.
A good portion of these 3 billion gamers must recycle their devices when the time comes to do so. Otherwise, there are going to be millions of PCs, consoles, and handhelds being unnecessarily sent to landfills.
How to Recycle Video Games (and Switch to Cloud Gaming)
Usually, video games themselves are very easy to recycle due to how small the disks are. In comparison to the physical hardware (consoles, PCs, handhelds), you can clearly understand this.
So, if you want to, you can simply add your old video games directly to your recycling bins if you have any at home. Or, if there are any recycling bins in your local area, you can take them there, instead. It’s really easy and simple.
Alternatively, you can donate your video games to specialized recycling websites. WeBuyGames.co.uk is one of the main sources for this in the UK. They buy old video games from people and then either sell or recycle them – simple. In the US, there are plenty of companies who also do the same thing.
The Environmental Benefit of Cloud Gaming
Thankfully, over recent years, the world has slowly but surely started to transition into ‘cloud gaming’, which is when there are no physical disks involved, making it a lot better for the environment. All you have to do is hop online, choose the internet-based game you want to play, and you’re good to go.
For instance, there’s www.cafecasino.lv and Golden Tiger Casino, where people can play a variety of online casino games through any device (smartphone, tablet, PC) – no disk or downloads are required.
In the future, it’s expected that cloud gaming will drastically help the environment. Just take a look at Sony, who recently released the new PlayStation 5 Digital; the disk-free version of their next-gen console. By being disk-free and completely cloud-based, Sony is attempting to future-proof its operations and save the planet. So far, it’s working, as the PlayStation 5 digital has sold a ton of copies.
How to Recycle Games-Consoles
Recycling game consoles is a little more difficult due to their size and scale.
For example, both the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series/XS are big and heavy. In addition to this, gaming PCs are typically even heavier and more difficult to get rid of.
The best way to recycle your old games console is by taking it to a House Waste Recycling Centre (HWRC). These organizations are great for recycling big electronic items and have a positive environmental impact.
If you own a Microsoft product (such as an Xbox model), then you can even take advantage of their end-of-life management program. Providing you are in a suitable area; Microsoft will come and collect your product for recycling purposes.
Are There Alternatives to Recycling?
If you’re finished with a particular console or device you own, there are other alternatives to recycling it. Let’s take a closer look at what exactly you can do:
Donate to Charity
Firstly, you can donate your product to charity; whether it’s a gaming laptop or Nintendo Switch.
You could donate it to a random charity in your city or one that specifically sells electronics items. Whichever you choose, you can have peace of mind knowing that your device is going to a good cause, rather than taking up space in your home or the local landfill.
Gift to Friends
If you have a friend who’s also a lover of video games, then you should consider passing it on to them, instead. This way, your device gets a new lease of life and you also get to show some appreciation to your friend. In return, they could even exchange an old game or device that they’re no longer using, making it a win-win situation for all.
Summary
For any gamers out there, you now know exactly how to recycle your old gaming consoles and other devices. Remember, it’s much better to recycle than to let your belongings go to waste – especially in an age where recycling is one of the keys to a healthier planet.
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