Wisconsin State Journal

So you want to reduce clutter at home by ridding yourself of a few dust-gathering gadgets?

Not so easy in a green world: Most electronics harbor some toxin or compound harmful to the environment or people if simply discarded.

It’s a big problem. Many devices become obsolete within a few years. Most of the 2 million tons of old electronics discarded annually by Americans goes to U.S. landfills, according to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency data. But a growing number of states are banning such waste from landfills

Fortunately, most types of electronic components now can be reused or recycled, or at least diverted in some way from the waste stream. For example, nearly 90 percent of computer contents can be recycled.

Before you buy a new computer, for example, first find out what you can do with the old one. If it still works, you might donate it to a reputable reuse organization. If not, nearly all computer companies have a recycling program — but only a few are free.

Televisions are harder to discard. Few manufacturers offer recycling.

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What companies do now

• Dell will take back any Dell product for free, even if you aren’t buying a new one.

• HP charges for its recycling service. If you buy a new HP product, you can usually apply an “E-Coupon” to cover most or all of the recycling cost of the old item.

• Apple offers free takeback and recycling to consumers who buy a new or “Apple Certified refurbished” computer or monitor bought directly from Apple. This doesn’t work for purchases from resellers, or in Hawaii.

• Sony will accept any product with Sony’s name on it, for free, at limited collection sites. Sony has only 75 sites in 17 states. For details on locations, call 877-439-2795.

Resources on the Web

Find responsible electronics recyclers by state: www.ban.org/pledge/Locations.html

Remove your data before recycling

No consumer recycling program will clear data off your computer hard drive. So what should consumers do before they send back their computers. Several products clean data off hard drives, Start by reviewing your options: www.computertakeback.com