Scenario:

Isabella is helping her family clean out their garage. She stumbles upon a box filled with old electronics, including outdated iPads, printers, and cell phones. She learned in her science class that electronics contain metals and chemicals that are valuable but can also cause harm the environment. She also is unsure if all the data has been removed from these devices. Isabella takes the initiative to do research ways to ensure her family’s PII is removed from the devices and options for responsibility managing their disposal.

Figure 1: Old Cellphones

Launch:

In this activity, you will learn how to responsibly and safely manage electronic device disposal.

Materials:

• A device with internet access if this activity is done independently.

Safety Notes:

• When using technology, engage in safe, legal, and ethical behavior; this applies to devices (hardware), applications or programs (software), and interactions with others.
• There are no anticipated physical safety risks associated with this activity.

Instructions:

Part 1: Protecting your PII

Managing Personally Identifiable Information (PII) on old electronic devices is crucial to protecting individuals' privacy and preventing identity theft. Old devices may contain sensitive data such as personal identification numbers, financial information, login credentials, and other personal details. If not properly managed, this information can be accessed by unauthorized individuals, leading to potential misuse or fraud. Securely managing PII on old electronic devices through data wiping, encryption, or proper destruction helps safeguard individuals' sensitive information and mitigates the risk of identity theft or unauthorized access.

Watch this video to learn more about managing your PII on old electronic devices. Web Link - How to Securely Dispose of an Old Phone

Discuss the following questions with your elbow partner:

• Share something new you learned from watching the video.
• Share what you are currently doing with your old electronic devices. What might you do differently?

Part 2: The Benefits of Recycling

Recycling is part of IT (Information Technology) asset management or IT asset disposition (ITAD). Electronics can be recycled to recover various materials, including iron and steel; precious and rare earth metals, copper, and other metals; plastics; glass; and other commodities. As new technology and electronic devices continue coming on the market, recyclers constantly innovate to ensure their processes keep pace with the changes.

Be prepared to share your answers to the following questions with your peers after watching the video.

1. What are the environmental benefits of recycling electronics?
2. What are the economic benefits of recycling electronics?

Watch the Recycled Commodities Series: Electronics video Web Link - Recycled Commodity Series: Electronics

This website can help you locate a certified e-recycler in your area. Web Link - Certified Electronic Recyclers | EPA   Here are some important questions to ask your recycler: Web Link - 10 Important Questions to Ask Your Electronic Recycler

Reflect and Apply:

1. What advice would you offer Isabella for disposing of the electronic devices found in her garage?
2. What are the advantages and disadvantages of using a reasoning approach based on data to make a decision or solve a problem?

Extension:

Recycling is part of IT (Information Technology) asset management or IT Asset Disposition (ITAD). Electronics can be recycled to recover various materials, including iron and steel, precious and rare earth metals, copper, and other metals; plastics; glass; and other commodities. As new technology and electronic devices continue coming on the market, recyclers constantly innovate to ensure their processes keep pace with the changes.

Watch this video to see: Web Link - How 6 Million Pounds Of Electronic Waste Gets Recycled A Month | Big Business

What security precautions are being taken by this organization to protect the customer’s data?

What if the United States required that all electronic devices were made of at least 50% recycled materials and parts? What would that mean for the environment and access to materials? What about jobs? Student answers will vary; students should support their answers with information from their research

Additional Resources to Explore:

• Web Link - About ISRI
• Web Link - The Secret Life of a Smart Phone