Out with the old (carefully) and in with the new

I don't know about you guys, but I often do a thorough cleaning and inventory around the house just before holiday season - especially if there is a chance Santa (aka my parents) will be putting a few new pairs of socks in my stocking or gadgets in my pocket. And, year after year, I am faced with the dilema of how to discard the old without pangs of consumerist guilt. Clothes, kitchen stuff and fully functioning (perhaps outdated) electronics go to the Salvation Army. Cell phones - off to redistribution via the Verizon store. Other small electronics - mailed to recycle thanks to the free and easy service offered by the USPS. But what about those electronics that aren't functioning at all? The ones that can't be recirculated and new-to-the-next-owner? Busted phones with shot batteries, gadgetless power cords, burned-in monitors and burnt-out refrigerators?

E-cycle them. Lucky for us, Slate's Green Lantern just discussed this very topic! Check it out here and do your part by making safe arrangements for the disposal of e-waste. Visit e-cycling central to find a e-cycling drop-off location near you.