Commissions in place of donations: where to deposit old technology in Tomsk
Avoid Trashing Old Electronics: The Greener, Profitable Way In Tomsk
Dumping old electronics might seem like a simple solution, but it's a no-go. Old tech is often packed with non-biodegradable materials like plastic, glass, and metal.
The riskiest component of these gadgets? Batteries. Laden with harmful substances like zinc, manganese, cadmium, and sulfuric acid, they pose a serious threat if not properly disposed of. These toxins can seep into the soil and groundwater, causing significant environmental damage.
So, where can you get rid of that old tech in Tomsk?
Donating Useful Tech
Crisis centers, second-hand stores, and charities in Tomsk accept working tech. For large appliances like refrigerators, microwaves, and washing machines, consider "Selling Tech" company. They'll not only help with disposal but also with transportation.
Mechanical components like transistors, capacitors, or microchips are worth more than you might think. In Tomsk, "Radio Sell-Off 42" takes these parts. Pricing can go up to 200 rubles per part, and even reach 100,000 rubles per kilogram.
Contemporary tech mainly has printed circuit boards, not much else of value. But if you're dealing with Soviet tech, you might find precious parts in control devices, old personal computers, or mainframe computers. In Soviet home tech, you'll find some valuable components, but less frequently. A staff member from a local store shared this with RIA Tomsk.
Offloading Your Old Tech
You can get rid of old tech by taking it to commission shops. For example, the "Jack the Ant" store accepts computers and household tech partially or fully.
The "Base Home" store takes working washing machines. The "Avantgarde" store purchases a wide range of tech, from smartphones to robot vacuum cleaners.
If you've just bought a new smartphone, and it's not been five years yet – you can sell it at the "Butech" commission shop. They also accept LCD TVs.
Batteries: A Special Case
As reported by RIA Tomsk, there are currently nine containers in Tomsk forAccepting batteries and other mercury-containing waste at the following addresses: Prospekt Frunze, 119e/2, Komsomoskaya, 66 and 37, located on the Irkutsk Highway, 44 and Moscow Highway, 19/1, as well as on streets such as Karl Marx, 34, 79th Guards Division, 13v, Dalne-Klyuchyevskoye, 16a, and Gerasimko, 3/14.
Beyond Trash: Where In Tomsk They Accept Mercury-Containing Lamps and Batteries
[In Update: Proper disposal is crucial due to the hazardous components in electronics, such as heavy metals (lead, mercury, cadmium), toxic chemicals (brominated flame retardants), and dangerous substances in batteries (lithium, lead-acid). CRT TVs contain leaded glass and phosphor coatings, while appliances may have refrigerants or capacitors with PCBs. Improper disposal risks contaminating soil and water.
For Tomsk, e-waste disposal and recycling options may include:- Local regulatory bodies: The Department of Licensing and Regional State Control of the Tomsk Region (likely oversees waste management compliance, as they participated in MIR-EXPO 2025).- Specialized recycling programs: Though no direct Tomsk-specific facilities are mentioned, regional participants in Russia’s Moscow International Recycling Expo (e.g., companies like TORG-KOMS) may extend services or offer guidance on e-waste handling.- Broader Russian frameworks: Russia’s focus on closed-loop economies, as noted in waste management research and events, suggests increasing infrastructure for e-waste recycling.]
- The staff member from a local store in Tomsk mentioned that Soviet home tech, particularly control devices, old personal computers, and mainframe computers, might contain valuable components worth more at places like "Radio Sell-Off 42".
- If you're looking to sell electronic devices newer than smartphones, such as computers or LCD TVs, you can consider the "Butech" commission shop in Tomsk.
- Proper disposal of batteries containing harmful substances is essential to prevent environmental damage. Residents of Tomsk can take batteries and other mercury-containing waste to one of the nine containers located at various addresses, such as Prospekt Frunze, 119e/2, Komsomoskaya, 66, or on the Irkutsk Highway, 44 and Moscow Highway, 19/1.
