How to recycle old electronic devices

You just had to have the latest iPhone and a cool new 3-D TV. But now your basement is cluttered with outdated electronics.

If you’re tempted to toss them all in the trash, forget about it, says Consumer Reports. Chucking old cellphones, printers, computers and TVs into landfills is bad for the environment. And in many states — 25 and counting — it’s illegal. Electronics contain toxic materials such as lead, mercury and arsenic, which can contaminate soil and drinking water.

So what can you do with your tech cast-offs? Read on.

SELL THEM

If last year’s devices still work, you might be able to sell them on Amazon.com, Craigslist or eBay, or with an ad in a local paper’s classified section or on its website. And services such as Gazelle (gazelle.com) buy used electronics.

Tip: Whether you sell, trade or donate your used device, be sure to include its power adapters or chargers, along with the user manual, case and any other accessories.

TRADE THEM IN

Many retailers and manufacturers have trade-in programs that give you a gift card or store credit for the estimated value of the product. Usually you can determine the value of acceptable products at the company’s website, then mail items or drop them off. If your “treasure” proves to be trash, though, most companies promise to recycle it responsibly.

Best Buy lets you trade in many kinds of electronic items, regardless of how old a product is or where you bought it. You’ll receive a gift card for the value.

Tip: A few retailers now offer buyback programs, through which you trade in a device for a preset percentage of its value toward a newer model. When Consumer Reports looked at these programs last year, it concluded that they are rarely worthwhile.

DONATE THEM

Feeling charitable? For electronic products in good working condition, check with schools and community centers in your area or consider the following:

Freecycle.org and sites like it (including Freesharing.org and sharingisgiving.com) make giving away your stuff easy.

Goodwill has teamed up with Dell in the Dell Reconnect partnership. Computers, keyboards, monitors and printers are among the items accepted at more than 2,600 Goodwill locations.

National Cristina Foundation (cristina.org) will find an organization that can use your computer, printers, and other peripherals and software, as well as cameras, fax machines, answering machines and more. The group will arrange pickup or delivery.

RECYCLE THEM

For products that aren’t usable (think tube TVs and VCRs), recycling is the answer. There are many programs designed to keep electronic gear out of landfills.

Community drop-offs. Consumer Reports suggests calling local officials or checking online to see if your town or city collects e-waste. Or check the Environmental Protection Agency site (epa.gov) to find public and private recycling programs. Call2Recycle (call2recycle.org), a nonprofit funded by manufacturers, recycles rechargeable batteries and cellphones at 30,000-plus locations, including many retail chains.

Manufacturer programs. Dell’s Reconnect partnership with Goodwill takes working computers and related products, including those past their prime. Recycling is free. Samsung Recycling Direct accepts TVs, cameras, cellphones, laptops and more of any brand at drop-off locations in all 50 states.

Retailer options. Office Depot accepts computers, small TVs and more for a fee of $5 to $15 to cover costs. It recycles ink and toner cartridges, cellphones and rechargeable batteries for free. Best Buy recycles electronic items for free. Drop off ink and toner cartridges, cords, cables and rechargeable batteries at stores. Staples offers $2 in Staples Rewards for empty ink and toner cartridges.

2013, Consumers Union Inc.