Recycling Electronic Junk is Easier than You Think

Buying a new TV, or a new computer, printer, or anything electronic for that matter can be pretty darn exciting--especially when you are saving money with some great Best Buy coupons. But the question remains, what to do with all your old electronic items?

The Environmental Protection Agency's recycling stats are depressing. Two percent of cities' solid waste comes from these unrecycled e-products. Additionally, almost 40 million computers may be considered obsolete in a single year--and typically only about 18 percent of those get recycled.

So, how does one get rid of there electronics easily and in an environmentally friendly manner? If your electronics--particularly computers--are still working you can always donate them and write them off your tax return. Women's shelters, homeless shelters, Goodwill, and some schools are constantly in need of electronics donations.

If your electronics are retired for good, you need a responsible recycler. The best place to start to find a good one is the National Center for Electronics Recycling. The site suggestions several other URLs where you can simply enter your zip code and find the recycling center nearest you.

If you live far from a center, or are simply looking for something more convenient, Staples and Office Depot both offer a recycling program at a cost of $5 to $15. Many office supply stores also have simple and free drop boxes to recycle batteries and sometimes cell phones.

Speaking of cell phones, those little guys are causing a big waste problem. According to the Environmental Protection Agency only 10 percent of cell phones are disposed of properly each year. Many cell phone manufacturers will accept your old cell phone for recycling purposes, but you could get really active and start a cell phone recycling campaign through the Recycle My Cellphone program. Either way, you'll feel good about unclogging all your junk drawers from those extra remote controls and old batteries knowing they won't rot away in a landfill, but instead will get recycled.

Do you have any tips to share regarding recycling electronics? Share them below in the comments!