When we think of recycling, we likely think of commonly reused materials — paper, plastic, metal. But we can recycle much more than these common household scraps, of course. E-cycling stands as a perfect example of this.
If you haven't heard of e-cycling, it's the shortened version of electronic recycling. When you're finished using a particular device or appliance, you can donate or otherwise redistribute its to extend its lifespan. Or, once the electronic has shut off for the last time, you can responsibly recycle, or e-cycle, it.

This practice helps the community and the earth. For those who buy a secondhand device, it can save money, thus putting Internet-capable phones and other desirable devices within economic reach. But e-cycling also helps the earth by keeping electronics out of landfills. And there are great reasons to do just that.

Electronics that end up in a landfill can cause quite a bit of damage to the earth as they break down. Namely, they contain enough toxins to count for about 70% of discarded toxic waste.

Indeed, certain devices contain metals that may be safe for us to use but prove dangerous once they break down into the earth. For instance, some electronics contain mercury. Exposure to mercury can damage both the kidneys and the brain. You might also own a device that relies on lead to function. But if this material breaks down in a landfill and contaminates the environment, it can poison people's blood and affect their nervous system function. Lead also has links to reproductive system damage.

Chromium, cadmium and brominated flame retardants can have negative side effects as well. While chromium can hurt the eyes, cadmium affects children's cognition and learning abilities. And, when bromated flame retardants break down, they have been shown to cause cancer and brain damage.

Fortunately, we aren't powerless in preventing toxic metals and materials from causing damage to our bodies and minds. E-cycling has made it possible to remove as many electronics — and dangerous parts — from landfills as possible.

Start by learning what you can and cannot e-cycle. It doesn't start and end with smartphones, although phone refurbishment and recycling are, indeed, popular options. You can also recycle your...

• Televisions
• Stereo systems
• Vacuums
• CDs and DVDs
• Computers and related devices
• Microwaves

Once you're ready to swap out an electronic device of any kind, weigh up your e-cycling options.
Perhaps the most popular option here is selling an old device. It's a win-win situation, as you earn cash for a functional device that you no longer want. You can try your hand at selling the item yourself, or you can opt to visit an ecoATM instead. The console will pay you immediately for the electronics you hand over, whether they're in mint condition or broken. And you can rest assured that your device will be responsibly sold or recycled afterward.

To that end, plenty of community centers will take your electronic devices off of your hands. They will, in turn, place your gently used electronics in the hands of those who might not be able to afford them otherwise. Some charities gather old mobile phones and refurbish them for soldiers stationed overseas. Your old mobile phone could allow a serviceman or woman to call home and catch up with their loved ones.

Once your device does reach the end of its life, make sure you recycle it responsibly. Recycling centers are likely to have designated bins for these items, as well as batteries and other potentially hazardous materials. Do your research to figure out how you can safely say goodbye to your electronics.

You can cut down on toxic waste in landfills by buying your electronics responsibly from now on. This might mean that you no longer upgrade your phone with every new updated version that comes out. This habit contributes to an excessive amount of phone-related waste, and much of it is unnecessary. Only upgrade when you truly need a new device.

When it is time to get rid of your device, you can do so responsibly, too. Sell it to an ecoATM for cash on the spot, whether the device still works or not. Non-profits and community centers will take them in, too. You have so many options to consider before defaulting to landfills.

The fact that you're here and willing to learn about e-cycling means that we're on the right track toward a cleaner, eco-friendlier future. It starts with each one of us — being responsible now can protect the earth for generations to come. So, start by recycling the devices you no longer want, and go from there. The planet will thank you for it.