What to do with your unwanted electronics?

Getting rid of unwanted electronic equipment is a serious problem. The equipment contains hazardous materials, which are released when the equipment is broken down. If the equipment goes into landfills, it will pollute the ground and the water. If it's shipped off to third-world countries, as it often is, it creates lethal hazards for the people working with, and living near, the mountains of electronic waste that are a growing problem in poverty-stricken areas..

What do we do now?
If it's still usable, you can donate it to a charity or to an individual. If it's broken, or so obsolete that not even a charity will take it, then look for reputable recyclers.

There is no guarantee that even the most honest-appearing companies will dispose of the waste properly, as a shocking recent investigation by 60 Minutes revealed. However, you can increase the odds that your equipment will not end up in an illegal dump by dealing with well-known companies.

When you buy new equipment, check to see whether the manufacturer will accept your old equipment back for recycling. Some of the computer companies do this routinely, as do some of the phone manufacturers. Also check with your local city or county government to see if they have special electronic-equipment recycling days.