The everyday struggle of what to do with old or broken technologies sometimes leaves consumers forgetting about an effective way to recycle. Many consumers find that their unwanted electronics are sometimes not accepted at nearby recycling facilities. So, what are we supposed to do with our e-waste while being environmentally responsible? Instead of recycling an entire device, consumers may consider taking apart piece by piece and recycling each. While this may sound a bit cumbersome, this technique is actually quite simple and only requires a bit of basic knowledge. For common devices such as DVD or Blu-ray players, one can begin by removing the exterior shell. Just unscrew the screws fixed to the shell, each of which is reusable of course. The first glance at the interior of a DVD or Blu-ray player can be a bit intimidating. One may see an optical drive, chips and boards and a jumble of wires. The good news is you do not have to be a tech master to recycle these parts because all of these individual items hold value. Whether it is the highly valued, reusable copper wiring, or the recyclable metal components, there is a place for every part of this interior. Finally, the cords, AV outputs and a possible HDMI output may appear to be destined for the scrap pile. But, ask yourself, “Can this be recycled?” These components could actually be reused in a new or refurbished DVD or Blu-ray player. Otherwise, these plastic and metal combinations can be broken down and potentially be recycled. To be responsible consumers, it is crucial for us all to think beyond simply recycling a device in its entirety. When that proves difficult, opt to dissect your device before tossing it to the side and think, “How can I simplify this?” There are various valuable metals and plastics that can either be reused or melted back to their original forms. Taking a little extra time to do the environment this big favor can go a long way. These items can take millions of years to break down in landfills. Think twice before trashing an entire system because a nearby recycler does not accept it whole. Instead, use these innovative tips to reduce your environmental impact.