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Many people don't know that hundreds of millions of tons of electronic waste are generated each year or that a good amount of that ends up in developing countries, where people use unsafe methods to try to extract metals to sell. When they do this, they poison themselves and their groundwater with lead,leading to birth defects and wastelands.

There are responsible companies available to recycle your electronics that aren't working and institutions such as schools, children's or family shelters that might be able to use electronics that are working. We have launched an important creative project to inform people of options for recycling that is fun and entertaining. We are in a contest in GOOD magazine for reusing technology in creative ways. (We'd love if you coud vote for us!)

I'm curious to hear your ideas or ways you have recycled electronics or computers or how you could in the future?

(Please do not take apart CRT monitors or tvs! They contain lead, and they can retain an electrical charge even when not plugged in.)

I could not figure out how to edit the above post. I meant to mention that you can tell if the recycling company is responsible by asking if they have R2 certification.

Also, the link to vote is http://vizio.maker.good.is/pro...tractus?sort=popular

Where I live some charities take broken e-waste and repair it. We also have an exchange program for materials and products that are still working. I always make certain my e-waste is collected by my County for safe disposal. It isn't just third world countries that are at risk. Illegal recyclers are taking apart dangerous e-waste in our country.

Recycling E-waste is the norm in CA = state and local gov't agencies advertize dates & locatios to drop off cell phones, TVs, computers etc. State certified recycle companies "guarantee" toxic materials are properly disposed of... no charge!
Years earlier WEAVE (Women Escaping a Violent Environment) and similar organizations requested donations of old cell phones to reprogramm for emergency 911 calls.

Most electronic devices contain toxic materials that unless recyled eventually contaminates ground water - YOUR drinking water, or a downstream neighbor; eventually the ocean...... is talapia or lobster on your menu?

This message has been edited. Last edited by: tessa89,

If one isn't sure on how and what to do with electronic gadgets that are already part of your waste, you can donate it to some sites that can put it to good use. There are some eco-friendly sites that can transform your electronic wastes to another product that is useful. Some of the sites I know are Earth 911, My Green Electronics, TechSoup and RBRC (Rechargable Battery Corporation). If you are too busy to transform your electronic products into something else, you can make the people from these sites do the thinking. - ana

This message has been edited. Last edited by: ana_b,