Did you get a new, fun electronic gadget for Christmas? Will it replace an old one? If so, did you know you can recycle the old one instead of just throwing it away?

Electronic devices account for 2-5% of landfill space, but they contribute 70% of the heavy metals found in landfills, including 40% of the lead. Metals from electronic gadgets can leach from landfills and contaminate surrounding soil and nearby water sources. Many computer plastics and circuit boards contain brominated flame-retardants, which are suspected of bio-accumulating in animals and fish and causing health problems for people who eat those animals and fish.

Approximately 130 million cell phones are discarded each year in the United States, generating many tons of waste. Georgians own an estimated 4.4 million personal computers and 8 million televisions, which contain about 62 million pounds of lead oxide that will end up in our landfills if these appliances are not recycled. In total, over 4 billion pounds of electronic waste make their way to landfills each year in the U.S.

The materials in electronic equipment, however, are valuable and can be reused for new electronics or to make other products. In 1998, over 112 million pounds of materials were recovered from electronics, including steel, glass, plastic, and precious metals.

Most of these components can be recycled at many locations around Georgia. Click here for a list from the Georgia Pollution Prevention Assistance Division (P2AD) of electronic recyclers in Georgia.

In addition, Atlanta Recycling Solutions will host several electronic recycling events in the spring and summer of 2006 in Decatur, DeKalb, Virginia Highlands, and at Turner Field. We will send reminders in upcoming e-Panoramas with exact dates and locations. They will also accept drop-offs anytime at their location in Alpharetta (678.566.6665), and they can schedule electronic pick-ups at businesses throughout the state.

You can also check with the manufacturer of the device to see if it has a recycling program. Ipods, for instance, can be recycled anywhere they are sold, and Apple will give a 10% discount on a new Ipod bought the same day. Apple, Lenovo, Gateway, Hewlett-Packard and other manufacturers will accept computers, monitors, and their components for recycling.

Finally, instead of recycling your used electronic equipment, consider donating it to someone who could use it. Many non-profit organizations and schools will take donated computers, printers, or other electronic equipment. Check the Department of Community Affairs’ list for organizations that will accept these items.

So enjoy your new toys, but do something good with the old!