Got old electronics? Don't toss them

Recycling newspapers, bottles, and cans is easy. But when you have something more serious to get rid of — say, a cellphone that no longer dials or an outdated laptop — simply putting it into your blue bin isn't an option. Throwing it in the trash might seem like an easy solution, but many consumer electronics contain lead, mercury, arsenic, and cadmium, which can pollute the air, soil, and groundwater. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, about 220 million tons of electronic waste end up in landfills each year, and e-waste is growing two to three times faster than any other waste stream.

Recycling unwanted gadgets is much more planet-friendly, and might even make you a little cash or help a worthy cause. Here's where to stash the stuff you no longer need. (Just remember to delete all your personal info first.)