We're in an age where almost everyone has old electronics around the house. If you’re wondering what to do with an old cell phone or outdated computer there are better options than the trash.

Computers, printers, cell phones - all saved from the landfill. But more often than not, outdated and unwanted electronics end up in the trash. Collin Marshall of Best Buy says, "90% of all electronics they are not disposed of properly so you can see that poses a huge environmental problem."

Sure electronics take up a lot of space when dumped into landfills. But there's an even bigger problem - toxic waste.  Recycling Project Manager Lee Jeter says, "The computers are made up of so many types of materials, but lead and mercury are the 2 common toxins that we speak of."

According to Jeter, landfills contain about 2 percent electronic waste, but that figure can be misleading. "That 2% of electronic waste counts for about 70 percent of the toxic material that seep into our ground water," he says.

Over time that toxic ground water works its way into our rivers, streams, and wetlands. Eventually it can end up in our food supply. "It's not so much the water that comes into our homes because that's treated. But what about all that water from our favorite fishing hole or favorite shrimping hole," asks Jeter.

Of course recycling is the answer.  And most recycling centers now accept e-waste. If they don't, hey can help you find one that does. These computers will be refurbished for use in classrooms. We're saving landfill space.  We're saving the toxic waste that goes into our environment. And when we're putting computers back in the hands of kids that need it, he adds.

Many electronic stores also offer recycling services for cell phones, batteries and printer cartridges. "There's a little zip lock bag to put each device inside of. You just slide it in and drop it inside the bin. Just like throwing trash away at a fast food restaurant. From there you're out of the process. We take care of it from there to get it sent off properly," says Marshall.

Even eBay is getting in on the action. Check out rethink.ebay.com to learn more about their "Rethink Initiative." "There's an alternative source for the materials we've got 75% of everything that's in our household can be recycled."
 
So the next time you have electronics you no longer need, forget the trash can. Remember there are earth friendly alternatives for your eWaste.

Before you recycle an old computer or cell phone, remember to clear your personal information. You don't need it falling into the wrong hands.