Home and Office electronics are considered hazardous waste and are restricted from landfill sites. They contain heavy metals, such as lead and mercury, that can too easily leach into the water supply if left to the landfill.

So, how much of a hassle do you have to go through to dispose of that old computer, cell phone or TV? What if you don't want to just throw your old equipment away? It might still work, it's just outdated and you've replaced it.

Our own, Angela Jones of Payroll fame, shares the many options available to help you recycle your old electronics, easily and with little effort, while leaving you with the feeling you've done a good thing.

Here are a few . . .

          

STUFF THAT WORKS:

Donate items for use at a local school, church or organization that aids the homeless, disabled or elderly. National organizations like and the American Red Cross have local donation stations that accept your items. For more ideas, go to www.Computers4Kids.net or find a list of other possible recipients at www.Epa.gov/e-cycling/donate.htm.

The Cristina Foundation collects donations in all 50 states and distributes electronics to schools, charities and public agencies. Donation items must not require major repair. For more information, visit www.Cristina.org.

STUFF THAT DOESN'T WORK:

Again, local schools, churches, public agencies as well as Good Will and other charities may also accept non-functioning equipment. These items contain valuable components and materials that, when broken down, can be sold back to manufacturers to make more. Thus lessening the impact on our natural resources.

Type in your zip code at www.gcycle.org and it will give you a list of places in your area to take your broken and unwanted electronics. Or to find an e-waste recycling center near you go to www.mygreenelectronics.org.

Community colleges and technical colleges often accept electronics that don't work.  Students take the equipment apart and learn how to put it back together again so it works.

If you are buying new electronics, many stores you purchase the new items from will take the equipment that you are replacing for free. Stores such as Apple, Best Buy and Crutchfield will take the old item(s) off your hands. Crutchfield will even give you an in store gift card for doing so.

Best Buy stores host periodic weekend recycling events in their parking lots for larger electronics like computers, computer equipment, audio equipment, TVs and more.  Smaller items like batteries and ink cartridges may be dropped off in any store, at any time.

The Best Buy delivery team will even take some items, including TVs and home appliances like washing machines, when dropping off a new one. Both weekend drop off locations and delivery/pick up options can be found at www.bestbuy.com/recycling.

Office Depot has a recycling program. You'll need to purchase a box and pay for shipping, but it's a handy way to get rid of printers and other larger items for just a few bucks. Check with your local Office Depot store or on the Office Depot web site.


CELL PHONE RECYCLING:

Most people think of cell phones as plastic. Did you know cell phones also contain precious metals?

Recycling keeps the phones out of the landfill. It also reduces the impact of mining natural resources to create new phones.

Cell phones contribute to the deforestation of the Congo, as company's mine the precious metals found there. This also impacts the Gorillas of that area.

Save the gorillas - recycle your phones!

Working or not, your old cell phone, together with its charger, can make a big difference in the life of a soldier. Go to www.cellphonesforsoliders.com to learn more.

Don't itemize your taxes to take advantage of charity donations? Make some cash - go to www.cellforcash.com or www.simplysellular.com to find out what your old cell phone might be worth.

Did you know?:

• “According to one study, almost 85% of what we throw away can be recycled!!"~ One Makes a Difference, Julia Butterfly Hill
• The State of California determined $26 million remains unclaimed in California Refund Value (CRV) deposits annually.

So, do your part to save resources and the environment for future generations, while providing usable tools and materials for others now!

Becoming part of the solution ... GO! Team