Our world has changed dramatically in the past 20 years because of electronic innovations that have changed the way and the speed in which we communicate and how we get information and entertainment. Our growing reliance on electronics is obvious when you consider that Americans own approximately 24 electronic products per household (according to the Consumer Electronics Association).

Technology seems to change faster than we can keep up with it and problems arise when we trade in our tech toys for newer, faster, shinier gadgets. Tossing the old ones into the trash not only adds up to enormous waste but the products are constructed with many different materials so recycling our e-waste is more complex.

The good news is that recyclers recover more than 100 million pounds of materials from electronics each year. Recycling electronics helps reduce pollution that would be generated while manufacturing a new product and the need to extract valuable and limited virgin resources. It also reduces the energy used in new product manufacturing.

Many retailers are jumping onboard to make e-cycling easier for consumers. Here are a few resources in our back yard:

• Visit RadioShack's Online Trade-In Program, which allows customers to exchange used, portable electronics for a RadioShack gift card. First, ascertain your product's trade-in value. If the value is acceptable, mail your electronics (using prepaid shipping labels provided by RadioShack) and receive a gift card within 10 to 14 days. Items accepted include car audio head units, digital cameras and camcorders, gaming systems, GPS devices, MP3 players, notebook computers and wireless phones.


• Office Depot offers a similar program, called Tech Trade-In, where consumers can trade in and recycle electronics in exchange for Office Depot gift cards. The program is powered by ecoNEW and will accept many of the items listed above plus LCD monitors, LCD TVs, desktop and laptop computers and printers.


• Costco first announced its trade-in program in 2007. They also supply gift cards for electronic trade-ins. Visit their website for a listing of products accepted as well as a list of drop-off locations for larger electronics that can't be mailed. o?Best Buy offers a "Greener Together" program, which provides ways to recycle, reuse or trade in end-of-life (EOL) electronics. A $10 recycling fee per unit is charged for items with screens, such as televisions, laptop computers and monitors but you will instantly receive a $10 Best Buy gift card in exchange. Smaller items are accepted at no charge such as ink cartridges, rechargeable batteries, cell phones, CDs, DVDs, and PDA/smart phones. In addition, Best Buy will remove any old or obsolete appliance or television free of charge from a consumer's home when a new product is purchased and delivered by Best Buy Home Delivery.

Another great resource is Gazelle.com, an easy, fast and safe way for you to sell and recycle electronics. As soon as they receive your used electronics and gadgets they inspect them to be sure the condition matches your evaluation. You receive an email once your item has been received and inspected and again when your payment has been sent. The whole process takes about a week. Items that are still in working condition get extended lives through resale at a variety of retail and wholesale outlets (after removing all personal data). Items without market value are recycled responsibly.

It seems more and more manufacturers and retailers are getting greener and making it easier for consumers to do the same. So don't throw away your old or outdated electronics; tap into these resources to help you responsibly manage your e-waste and put a little cash back in your pocket.

Send comments, questions and green tips to GoGreenBF@yahoo.com.

Next week: The Buzz on Batteries