THE STATE WE’RE IN: Find green way to dispose of electronics

By Michele Byers
   ’Twas the night after Christmas, and all through the house, people were pondering, “Do I junk my old mouse?”
   Instead of a new mouse, maybe you got a new cell phone, laptop, iPod, hi-def TV or other electronic gadget as a holiday present this year. Once the initial glow of the LCD screen fades, you are left with the question of what to do with the old gadget. Unfortunately, too many us opt for the easy answer — lift the lid on the garbage can and toss!
   You may not realize, however, that our home electronics contain hazardous materials never intended for landfills. For instance, old TVs and computer monitors were made with cathode ray tubes containing lead. Other electronic components may contain mercury, cadmium and chromium. So give the Earth a present this year — find a better way to dispose of your outdated electronics.
   Check out the Web site maintained by the state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) at www.state.nj.us/dep/dshw/recycling/index.html. It’s loaded with information on recycling, including recycling of electronic products. Every New Jersey county sponsors periodic collection days for hazardous waste and old electronics. The DEP Web site contains links to county programs, with details and local contact information. Also check with your town; some local recycling programs will take electronics.
   But there’s more than one way to recycle. Cell phones can find a second life as emergency 9-1-1 phones for victims of domestic violence. Many county and private programs accept donations, so you can likely find a local shelter or program. Your county domestic violence program can get you started (their phone number will be in the government pages of your local phone book, or visit www.nj.gov/dca/dow/countyresourcesdv.shtml).
   If holiday gift-giving finds you in possession of an old but functional Apple laptop, gaming console, digital camera, MP3 player, camcorder, cell phone or GPS device, you can trade them in for cash to Second Rotation (www.secondrotation.com). Other services specialize in just one item, like cell phones or iPods. Many electronics manufacturers and retailers run direct trade-in recycling programs using a similar process. And if you’re adventurous, maximize your return by reselling your gadgets on eBay.
   Of course, if you want to get into the spirit of the season, you can always make a gift of your used electronics to one of the hundreds of not-for-profit agencies doing good work throughout this state we’re in. Almost all need computers, printers, digital cameras, etc., at some point — but please call them before dropping off your used items. Contact an agency like your local United Way, which can help you find someone who may need what you have to offer.
   A gift like this to a registered nonprofit can yield a tax deduction for the value of the donated items. But the biggest reward may come from knowing that your donation can help those in need. After all, isn’t concern for our fellow people and our planet the heart of the season, no matter what holiday you observe?
   All of us at New Jersey Conservation Foundation wish you a happy holiday season, and a healthy new year!
Michele Byers is executive director of the New Jersey Conservation Foundation. For more information, contact her at [email protected], or visit NJCF’s Web site at www.njconservation.org.