Televisions, radio, stereo systems, and other electronics used to last a long time. Today, their shelf life doesn't seem to be nearly as long. People also have more electronics nowadays. Desktop computers, laptop computers, iPads, iPods, readers, nooks, tablets, GPS devices, gaming systems, DVD and Blu-ray players, digital cameras, cell phones and more are all a common part of most households today.

Technology also changes rapidly, with newer and better models and versions and platforms and more storage and memory and features come out every single day. The country has far more electronics than previously, and the dumps are at capacity. This makes recycling electronics even more important. Here's what you need to know about making responsible decisions when it comes to disposing your electronic devices.

Find A Recycler

Yes, it may be easier to just throw your unwanted electronic devices away in the garbage, but it isn't the environmentally friendly thing to do. In addition to local dumps being overwhelmed with the sheer amount of garbage, electronic devices can be toxic. Mercury, cadmium, lead, and other elements and chemicals as well as the plastic are not good for the environment. These chemicals can eventually reach the groundwater and rivers and streams. It's also illegal in many states to throw electronic devices in the trash. If you don't know where to recycle your electronics, you can find a drop-off location near you.

Sell Your Used Electronic Devices

Not everyone can afford to buy a new iPhone the minute a better model is released. That doesn't change the fact that a lot of people want one. They are often viewed as status symbols, and people with less money and teenagers are more than happy to spend the money on your used device rather than not have one at all. You keep your stuff out of the landfill, make a little extra cash, and someone else is happy. It's a win-win situation. You can also donate your electronic devices. A simple Google search will bring up many places where you can donate your old computers or cellphones and they will refurbish them and put them to good use at needy institutions or third-world countries.  

Trade It In

A lot of companies, such as Apple, Sprint, and Amazon, have buyback or trade-in programs which will pay you cash, give you credit, or discount your new purchase. The companies than strip the electronic devices and reuse what they can.