Best Buy lowered Q4 projections, and a lot of thoughts come to mind. Back before streaming, it was a boom era of physical media. Sure, you can still find the gems hidden here and there- DVD, Blu-Ray, and 4K releases. But do you need them? What with seventy-plus streaming services? (I thought this number hyperbole, but a quick Google search revealed over 200 services. So, there’s that.)
Thinking about the repurchasing, though, what happens to stuff when we let it go?
One of the most common ways old items are disposed of is through recycling. Many electronic devices, such as smartphones, tablets, and computers, can be recycled to reduce their environmental impact. Special facilities collect these old devices and dismantle them to extract valuable materials, which are then reused in the production of new products.
Additionally, larger items such as automobiles can be recycled through various processes. Some car manufacturers offer take-back programs where consumers can bring in their old vehicles for recycling. These vehicles are often dismantled and the metal components are reused in the manufacturing of new cars. Furthermore, some parts from old cars can also be used in repair shops or resold as second-hand parts.
Another popular option for disposing of old items is reselling them or finding them on the secondhand market. Many consumers prefer to buy used products to save money or for eco-friendly reasons. Platforms such as online marketplaces and classified ads allow individuals to sell their old electronics or vehicles to potential buyers.
I’ve purchased a number of things resale, from clothes, to electronics, to even shoes.
In some cases, old items can be donated to charitable organizations. These organizations accept donations from individuals and distribute them to people in need. This not only benefits those who receive the goods but also helps in reducing the waste generated by unused items.
While recycling, resale, and donation are preferable options, some discarded items may still end up in landfills or junkyards. This is because many older electronics or vehicles have reached the end of their useful life and are no longer suitable for recycling or reuse. In these cases, the items are simply disposed of in designated landfills or junkyards, where they decompose over time.