Most homes and offices have an abundance of old electronics including TVs, CD players, PCs, and laptops.  We discuss how to recycle these items via the Internet.

In many states, including California, it is illegal to just put your used electronics in the trash.  The hazardous materials in most electronics gear can release toxins into the air and water when disposed of in landfills.

Here are several websites that can serve as a source of locations to use in recycling your electronics:

• Dell Reconnect is a partnership with Goodwill that accepts any brand of computer, as well as “just about anything that can be connected to a computer,” according to the website. You can drop off used devices at participating Goodwill locations around the country.
• AmericanCellPhoneDrive.org collects all brands of used cell phones and will refurbish and resell, or responsibly recycle them, in support of a variety of good causes.
• The World Computer Exchange is on a mission to diminish the digital divide in developing countries and to promote the reuse of and proper recycling of electronics. It provides used computers, peripherals, and many other types of gadgets to communities around the world.
• eBay for Charity lets you sell your used devices (or anything else, actually) and donate part or all of the proceeds to a charity of your choosing.
• E-Stewards.org – certifies e-waste recyclers and encourages recycling.  Check to see if your recycler has their “seal of approval.”
• TechSoup.org – helps people donate reusable electronics hardware to needy groups.  They maintain lists of organizations that refurbish old electronics and provide to schools, low income families or charities.

We thank you for acting responsibly and encourage using these great resources to “trim the load” of unused and obsolete electronic equipment.