THE GREEN SIDE
Got old electronics? Don't toss them
By Christie Matheson | October 1, 2008
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 But when you have something more serious to get rid of — say, a cellphone that no longer dials or an outdated laptop — simply putting it into your blue bin isn't an option.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.)
The City of Boston Public Works department collects computer monitors and television sets for recycling. Schedule an appointment at 617-635-7574 or trashtvcrt@cityofboston.gov.
Boston-based Gazelle (www.gazelle.com) accepts MP3 players, digital cameras, camcorders, laptops, external hard drives, and more and pays you cash or facilitates a donation to benefit one of dozens of their partner charities.
Drop off your cellphone and accessories for recycling at Staples, Best Buy, Office Depot, or many wireless companies' retail locations. Or mail it to Recycle My Cellphone (www.recyclemycellphone.org) or Phones 4 Charity (www.hones4charity.com).
Someone's trash is someone else's treasure, and the Massachusetts Materials Exchange helps make the connection. Visit www.materialsexchange.org to find out who wants your e-waste.
If you're upgrading and your old item is in decent condition, check with local schools and nonprofit organizations to see if they can use it.
Christie Matheson is the author of "Green Chic: Saving the Earth in Style." Send questions to globegreenside@yahoo.com. 
