These days, electronic gadgets are just not made to last. Often, we are hesitant to throw them into the rubbish chute because who knows what will happen to our data, and what if there is a chemical leak... or maybe they're inflammable?

Privacy and safety are important concerns indeed, but improper electronic waste disposal has created environmental problems in places that have come to be known as "electronic waste villages" and "electronic graveyards" as well.

In case you're wondering, "electronic waste" is basically any electronic item you might have that you no longer use or has become obsolete by more advanced technology or devices.

So what can you do with your electronic waste?

Here are four places you can ditch it without risking your data being stolen, dangerous fires or excessive pollution:

1. StarHub RENEW bins

There are 235 RENEW bins at 185 locations here. You can actually find these bins in schools, condominiums, community clubs and malls.

You can dispose unwanted electronic items of any brand and type into these bins as long as they can fit into the bin's 470mm X 120mm slot. In the recycling process, the items will be dismantled and shredded so that no data is recoverable. Here's a list of RENEW bins and their locations.

2. Singtel's e-waste recycling bins

Some of these recycling bins are found in Singtel shops, like:

- Singtel shop ComCentre: 31 Exeter Road

- Singtel shop Tampines Mall: 4 Tampines Central 5

- Singtel shop Jurong Point: 63 Jurong Point West Central 3

These bins accept items such as laptops, tablets, phablets, hard drives and internet-related accessories such as modems, routers and cables.

3. Ink and toner cartridge recycling bins

Located at 21 public libraries, these recycling bins collect empty printer ink and toner cartridges, regardless of brand.

4. Getting Dell and HP to collect your waste

If you have unwanted Dell or Hewlett-Packard (HP) products, you can arrange to have them collected for recycling and disposal. Fill up their online form, pack your electronic waste into boxes and wait for them to pick it up from the comfort of your own home.

Note: You'll need to request the pick-up five working days in advance.

Whichever way you decide to dispose of your old devices, be sure to wipe clean any data on them before doing so — it's a good and safe habit, just as recycling your old products is :)

Top photo from Flickr user baselactionnetwork

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HDB flat dweller throws contents of house down rubbish chute as it fits

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