MANAGE THE FLOW OF E-WASTE: repair and reuse

1. Find out if the product is covered by the manufacturer's warranty or an extended service agreement.
2. Get a free estimate on repair. Most retailers offer repair services if your community does not have a local repair shop.
3. Find out how long the repair is warranted. Most shops warrant repairs for 60 to 90 days.
4. Consider the resale value of the product if it is repaired.
5. Ask a repair technician if any additional parts are likely to need replacement in the near future.
6. Learn about features on current products that your product lacks. Perhaps new features can be added to your product in the repair process.
7. If applicable, make sure your software is updated and working.
8. If you have an old collection (VCR, eight-track tape player), examine repair or reuse. Someone may want to inherit your collection.
9. Consider replacing the product if you can benefit from upgrading to newer technology (such as from a VCR to a DVD player).
10. Remember that manufacturers must provide at least a 90-day limited warranty for new products sold in the United States.
11. Expect a good repair shop to take several weeks to repair your product. Also, manufacturers can be slow to send proprietary parts, or may no longer stock them. If you choose to replace the product, try to find a way to dispose of the old product that is kind to the environment.
12. Check out the Greener Choices Guide created by Consumer Reports to find out whether or not to "Fix it or Nix it."
13. Decided to replace your product? Recycle your old product and rethink your new purchase by buying green.