You may want to check with your local state laws before you throw electronics in the trash. At least 27 states have placed bans on thrashing e-waste (short for electronic waste), and for a good reason I'll have to admit.
Over time components found in electronics like television sets, motherboards, MP3 players, etc., break down releasing harmful chemicals that can pollute the environment. Last year various electronic recycling locations sprang up in an effort to stop e-waste from entering our landfills. Now it looks like recycling e-waste will be mandatory as more states place the law on the books. According to the Associated Press, "The Environmental Protection Agency estimated in 2007 that the U.S. generates about 2 million tons a year of e-waste, which can contain lead, mercury, cadmium and other potentially harmful chemicals. If those toxins leach from landfills into the environment, risks to human health can include cancer and nervous system damage, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention."
Here are 3 simple suggestions you can use when you want to get rid of old electronics:
Donate to charity
Give it so someone else- everyone loves a hand me down...it's free
Recycle- find locations that specialize in recycling e-waste
For an interesting (and disturbing) read check out: "Where computers go to die -- and kill"
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