Wait! Before you go to toss your old computer, cell phone, or other electronics out, take a look at our tips on how to discard of them in a way that has the least environmental impact. E-waste is a huge issue right now and your electronics could end up in landfills, with toxic chemicals seeping into our ecosystems and polluting our waterways. Why not avoid all that with these easy and creative ways to get your obsolete gadgets and gizmos out of your house the responsible way?

Before ditching expired electronics like laptops, cell phones and televisions, know this: All those gizmos are loaded with toxins like cadmium, mercury and lead. When those electronics sit around in landfills, substances can leak out into soil and waterways, wreaking havoc on ecosystems. As for recycling programs, much of consumers’ electronic waste, or e-waste, gets shipped to developing nations with lax laws. Workers disassembling the devices expose themselves to all kinds of noxious poisons. But just as e-waste’s dirty secrets continue to come to light, many safe, eco-friendly disposal options also appear. Read on for the best ways to get rid of old electronics. (more…)