The e in e-waste refers to electronics-equipment such as computers, monitors, televisions, cell phones, and printers. Consumers are continually upgrading their equipment, and when a new item is purchased, the old electronics often end up in the solid waste stream, creating problems for the environment. According to the EPA, about 80 to 85 percent of discarded consumer electronics in the U.S. ended up in landfills; only 15 to 20 percent was recycled.

Electronics contain metals and other materials that play a role in the function of the product, but can be hazardous to the environment if not disposed of properly. Some of the materials of concern include lead, mercury, cadmium and brominated flame retardants. In addition, there is increasing concern about the accumulation of e-waste in China and India. According to the BBC, 30 million computers are thrown out every year in the U.S. alone, and many are dumped in India and China.

Lead - Lead is the found in cathode ray tubes (CRT), the television technology that preceded plasma screens and LCDs (liquid crystal displays). The metal is used in glass in PC cathode ray tubes as well. Lead has been show to cause developmental problems in children, and is associated with nervous systems problems. Ewaste.com says that the lead leeches from landfills into water sources.

Mercury - Mercury is used in small amounts in bulbs, light flat panel computer monitors, thermostats, and mobile phones. Mercury makes its way into living organisms (such as fish) and up the food chain.

Brominated flame retardants - These are used in plastic cases and cables to prevent flammability, and are also found on printed circuit boards. Some brominated flame retardants have already been phased out, but there are still some problematic ones in use. Research has shown some link to cancer and endocrine problems. They reach the food chain by leeching.

Cadmium - Cadmium is found in chip resistors, infrared detectors, and semiconductors. Cadmium was used in ni-cad rechargeable batteries for laptops and other portables, but according to the EPA newer batteries (nickel-metal hydride and lithium ion) do not contain cadmium. Cadmium can cause kidney problems, and reaches us through the food chain.

Plastics - Plastics such as PVC are used in wiring and cable. Many different types of plastics are used in electronics, and they pose a challenge to recycle due to limited markets for mixed plastics.

Recycling your consumer electronics is beneficial to the environment. The Earth's resources, such as precious and other types of metals, plastics and glass, are used to make these products, and recycling prevents the need for so much new material. You can contribute to the reduction of the mining of precious metals because many of those metals are recyclable. By recycling your e-waste, you help to conserve natural resources and avoid air and water pollution. In addition, by preventing the manufacturing of new products, fewer greenhouse gases are emitted. And of course, by recycling your e-waste you prevent the build up of toxic materials in landfills.

Cell phones can be turned into retail outlets or mailed in to manufacturers. Many retail outlets, such as Staples, now accept larger electronic equipment for recycling. Go to earth911 to find a store near you where you can have your equipment properly recycled.

Consider donating your electronics to a school or nonprofit organization, since it is always preferable to prevent any waste in the first place. Be sure your items are complete and in working order, since such organizations don't often have the resources to repair equipment. Check an organization's website or call for donation requirements. Don't forget that donations can usually be applied to your tax return with the proper documentation.

For additional resources, check out E-cycling Central, a site from the Electronic Industries Alliance, and My Green Electronics, which details how to recycle specific types of equipment.

You'll want to clear data from some equipment before you get rid of it.

Cell phone - If you're going to recycle your cell phone, the EPA suggests doing three things: terminate your service; clear the phone's memory of contacts and other stored information; and remove your SIM card and shred or cut it in half (contact your service provider or manufacturer if you need help with this).

Computer - To determine if your computer is worth donating, the EPA suggests considering the following questions: Is the computer fairly new? If it is too old, (five years or older) it may not be able to run the same software that other computers do. Will the recipient be able to use it, or refurbish it for use? If the equipment is too old, or requires repairs, it may not be economical to fix it for reuse. Does the computer have any sensitive personal or business information on it that needs to be cleansed? Will the receiving organization remove the data or do you need to remove it yourself?

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