Whoever has an old remote control has a treasure: why and what is the point of reusing it?

A television is inconceivable without a remote control, and despite the fact that more and more devices and appliances can be controlled from our smartphones, remote controls remain an indispensable element of any TV.

The thing is, over time, many of these remotes deteriorate with use, time, knocks, or even assistance from a dog. Plus, if we upgrade our TV, it's more than normal for us to accumulate old remotes in a drawer at home over the years.

And while we always think the best thing to do would be to throw them away and stop accumulating so much electronic junk, the truth is that you can give your old remotes a second life.

If you're into electronics, a remote control can be a source of useful components or a controller for your projects. This is because infrared remote controls emit unique signals for each button . You can use an IR receiver and a board like an Arduino or Raspberry Pi to decode these signals and use them to control other devices.

For example, you could:

• Turn LED lights on and off.
• Control fans.
• Create a control system for small home automation devices.
• Operate a robot.
• Even clone the signal from another remote to control your TV or air conditioner.

Obviously, you'll need a bit of a handyman to do this, but it's definitely a great option if you have the skills and have old remotes lying around the house. Otherwise, it's important to recycle them properly . Remote controls contain electronic components that must be treated as electronic waste (e-waste) . Look for specialized collection points in your area to ensure proper disposal.