What is the most ethical choice for stereo equipment that doesn't work?

[mahina]

I have to clear some space in my home.

Over the last few years I have bought several stereo systems from Salvation Army and on FB Marketplace. None of them have worked.

Should I take them to the electronic recycling at the landfill, or "donate" to Salvation Army?

Maybe someone else can make them work, but I can't. I have bought quite a few nice components and still can't play my CDs. I need the space back.

I don't want anyone else to buy them and be disappointed but also don't want to trash something someone else could find use in.

Thanks DU.

(If you want to talk about Salvation Army v Goodwill, I'm here for that too.)

[Turbineguy]

1. Best Buy has a recycling program

https://www.bestbuy.com/site/services/recycling/pcmcat149900050025.c?id=pcmcat149900050025

[mahina]

5. Thank you :)

[cbabe]

2. Do you have freecycle near you? Or tinker/hobby club?

[mahina]

6. That sounds great. I will check

Thanks!

[AZJonnie]

3. There's SO MUCH used/old electronic components available on every type of marketplace

Unless you know that what you have is some piece with historical value or is very high-end but just broken, I'd say just recycle them.

[ProfessorGAC]

4. Another Vote For Recycle

Taking them to SA or Goodwill could easily result in it going to someone that will just throw them away upon failure.
You can't be sure everyone is as responsible as you regarding proper disposal.

[mahina]

7. Thanks!

[bucolic_frolic]

8. Re-Donate to SA. They can be scavenged for parts.

And those parts will never be seen again. I dare say some hobbyists would part them out on eBay. Remember, replacement parts from China are more expensive or non-existent now.

[Shambala]

9. If they are old or vintage

I would google to see how much they might be worth as is or restored. I had a turntable restored last year and the repairman said he had customers willing to turn me a nice profit if I put it up for sale. Otherwise I’d donate the items back.

As far as the CD’s, I downloaded all the music to an SD card and can pretty much play everything off of my phone (Sorted by artist, genre, etc). I even digitized all my old vinyl too. Good luck!

[JoseBalow]

10. My go-to is the Craigslist "Free" section

You can leave it on your doorstep for pick-up, or meet somewhere close by, or arrange it however is most convenient for you. And feel good knowing that wherever it winds up, it's because someone actually wanted it, not because it was discarded.

Good luck!