E-Waste Not, E-Want Not: Recycle Your Gadgets on the Web
Dumping electronics in the trash is so 2001 (and illegal, too, by the way).
By YVONNE BELTZER
Updated 1:00 PM PST, Thu, Oct 1, 2009
Admit it. Somewhere in your home is a small museum of obsolete electronics. We've all got one, it's ok.
But it's time to clean house.
The ideal way to dispose of these items is to recycle them. But only 18% of the more than 300 million electronic items Americans dump every year are recyled.
Some of these electronic items can find new life in other homes or even other countries. So before you buy that new cellphone or LCD monitor, you might check out ways to recycle your old phone and CRT monitor.
In many states, including California, it is actually *illegal* to throw electronics in the trash because they contain hazardous materials that can release dangerous toxins into the air and water when buried, burned or otherwise disposed of in landfills.
There are several great websites that can lead you to responsible locations to recycle electronics.
ECYCLING CENTRAL (www.ecyclingcentral.com) lists reuse, recycling and donation programs across the country. All you have to do is click on your state and up pops a list to local recyclers. The website is sponsored by the Telecommunications Industry Association. The site also posts scheduled e-cycling events --often put on by civic groups.
ESTEWARDS (www.e-stewards.org) not only encourages recycling, but it also certifies e-waste recyclers. This way you can be certain the company you choose meets rigorous standards for sustainability and social responsibility.
TECH SOUP (www.techsoup.org) is a website that helps people pass on reusable electronic hardware to worthy groups. It lists organizations that refurbish or provide used electronics to qualified applicants such as schools, low income families or charitable groups.
These recycle centers are listed geographically and the website describes each group's specialization.
First Published: Oct 1, 2009 10:46 AM PST
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