Five Easy Places to Recycle Your Old Gadgets and Computers

Maybe you got some next-generation gear over the holidays. Maybe you're just cleaning out unused cruft in this new year. Whatever the reason, you've got gadgets that need to go. Here's where to bring them for responsible, ecological, and (mostly) free recycling.

Many towns, cities, counties, and states have their own e-cycling programs that offer convenient drop-off locations for old computers, big monitors, and other electronics. The EPA suggests a cluster of search sites for helping you find a local ecycling program, including EcoSquid and the Consumer Electronics Association's MyGreenElectronics. And beyond the picks you see below, the EPA has a grid list of consumer-friendly e-cycling programs from stores and manufacturers.

With that in mind, almost everybody has a Best Buy, Goodwill, or Staples somewhere near them. Read up on their recycling programs, and learn about two other options you might not have considered:

Oddly enough, the electronics superstore that only just recently dropped a hefty restocking fee also has the most convenient and customer-friendly electronics recycling program around. Each household can bring in up to three items per day, including older-style CRT TVs (up to 32 inches in size), any flat-panel TV, monitors, cellphones, GPS units, DVD players—basically, if it has a plug and a display, and you can carry it, Best Buy takes it. There's a $10 charge for TVs and monitors, but you get that back in a $10 gift card.

New cellphone packages often come with a pouch in which to mail back an older cellphone for recycling, or for re-purposing as an emergency 911 phone for community services. If your phone didn't, check out your current or past cellular provider. Each of them offers phone recylcing services, generally free and offered through both in-store drop-offs and postage-paid mail-ins. Your phone's maker (LG, Motorola, etc.) likely offers a similar low-hassle deal.