If you simply toss out your old electronics, like computers, printers etc, not only are you taking up increasingly limited landfill space with valuable resources like plastic, metal and glass, you’re also putting toxic materials in the ground.

If you bought your TV, computer, or other electronic device in the last decade, it can be upgraded or refurbished and be of use to someone who doesn’t have the money to buy a new one. Or you can take the recycling route: many computers and other electronics are built to be easily demanufactured into their component parts for easy recycling. Some devices may require more energy to recycle, but it’s still better than just leaving them to a landfill.

The Electronics TakeBack Coalition provides several excellent Consumer Guides that walk you through just how you go about finding a recycling facility for your old electronics. One of these guides is A Consumer’s Guide to Recycling Your Old TV. All the info you’d need is summed up in this guide. They also have a TV manufacturer report card that highlights where a manufacturer ranks in their recycling programs. Also take a look at a listserv like Freecycle, and you’ll likely find some who at least wants it for parts.