Today’s junk drawers are stuffed with last year’s smartphones and tablets along with webs of tangled cords. But there’s a dark side to storing electronics beyond taking up space. Lithium-ion batteries have started house fires, for example. Tossing these devices isn’t an option because their chemicals contaminate waterways and soil. According to the United Nations’ E-Waste Monitor, only 17% of global hazardous electronic-waste (e-waste) was collected and recycled, meaning high-value metals and other recoverable materials – conservatively valued at $57 billion – were quite literally burned or dumped. We’ve compiled a few ways to help you clear space and your conscience.
Does your device turn on?
No:
Short of a paperweight, there aren’t many ways to repurpose a device that doesn’t power up. Amazon (among some big tech retailers, supermarkets, and others) offers a hassle-free recycling program. Using the Amazon WEEE Takeback Program you can submit a request to send your old devices off for recycling free of charge. You can also visit a Designated Collection Facility (DCF) run by your local authority, find your nearest drop point here.
Yes:
Repurpose – Use the last generation smartphone as a bedside alarm clock, smart TV remote or Alexa-enabled light switch. There are plenty of apps, like ClockPhone, that can give your smart device new life.
Sell – Older model: Some “vintage” devices fetch big bucks on eBay. Certain models of the now-discontinued iPod command up to £20,000, so it’s worth a search before you write it off as junk.
Recent model: Many wireless carriers will offer trade-ins for devices they still sell in-store. However, there are some online selling options, like Music Magpie and Zapper, that will give you a cash offer in minutes and provide you a shipping label for free.
Donate – There are a variety of local options for donating your electronics, like to schools or libraries in need of computer mice or monitors. An alternative is to contact a local charity shop or organisation to see if they are looking for any stock or devices for use.
Sources: ctvnews.ca; unu.edu; amazon.com; reuters.com; money.com; electronics.howstuffworks.com; hometoys.com; zdnet.com; ewastemonitor.info
Black MondayOn 19 October 1987, the stock markets experienced a dramatic plunge that prompted many firms to shut down their trading desks and turn off their phones to minimize internal losses. Raymond James refused to do the same. Our desks stayed open to help meet clients’ needs, resulting in our first and only unprofitable quarter since the firm went public in 1983. |
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Who was Raymond James?The Raymond in our name is actually from Edward Raymond, owner of a 15-employee mutual fund sales group, Raymond and Associates, along Florida’s west coast. He sold his company to Bob James on 15 July 1964, on condition that the surviving firm be called Raymond, James & Associates. Three days after the sale, Ed Raymond was involved in a near-fatal automobile accident and never joined the firm. Nonetheless, even after Raymond had passed away, Bob James insisted that his name remain on the door – ahead of James’ own. That was a promise he made to Ed Raymond three days before the accident, and Bob James was a man who kept his promises. |
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Bear Market of 1974The severe bear market of 1974 threatened the existence of Raymond James, which was bleeding capital by the day. Tom James, his father and other leaders took extreme measures to keep the firm afloat, slashing costs, foregoing paychecks and even attempting to sell the firm for just enough capital to protect client assets and retain as many associates as possible. The story could have ended very differently if not for a sharp upturn and continued rebound in the stock markets late in the year. |
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Taking Raymond James PublicWhen consideration was being given to taking Raymond James public, Tom James penned a letter to shareholders (largely employees at the time). ” … the public offering should be considered as a statement of our independence. While this is a psychological rather than an economic rationale, it is nonetheless very important. We have asserted for some time that we are not interested in becoming a small part of a very large corporation. That assertion results mainly from the inclinations of management rather than the economic benefits associated with either alternative. The public stock offering affords us the opportunity to enjoy a little bit of the best of both worlds. While shareholders will be given liquidity at fair market value, we will still have the ability to control our own destiny.” After 40+ years of Tom’s leadership, upon becoming CEO, Paul Reilly was often questioned about whether the company might ultimately surrender its cherished independence and be acquired by some larger entity. His response: “Not while I’m around.” It’s a theme that continues today. |
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