Keeping up with new technology inevitably means accumulating OLD technology.  But the gadgets we love frequently contain toxic and dangerous materials, and putting them into the regular garbage is Not Good--and illegal in 12 states. Figuring out how to properly dispose of them, however, can be confusing. Here are some suggestions and tips to finally get rid of the junk.

• If it has a hard drive, make sure you wipe and/or remove the drive to physically destroy or keep it!
• If it's still useable, consider giving it to a less cutting edge friend or relative. You never know--Grandpa might enjoy having an iPod even if it's not the latest model.
• Consider donating it to a non-profit group
• If you bought something new, see if the manufacturer will recycle the item it's replacing.
• Ask if your university/firm/building IT will recycle it
• Consider offering it on your local Craig's List or Freecycle
• Check to see if your state, county, or municipality has an electronics disposal program
• Check out the EPA's list of ways you can donate or recycle your old electronics--it includes some retail stores that may have stores you can drop things off at
• Use Earth911's electronics recycling center finder to locate a local drop-off spot
• Think beyond computers--cell phones, printer cartridges, jewel boxes, and batteries should also be carefully disposed of.

Further reading:

• Pulling the Plug: How to dispose of old electronics in a responsible way (Slate)