Steve and Angela dip once again into that font of digital output, the Digital Duo Tip Jar, and retrieve the disposal tip. (What, no clever pun this week? That's right. Deal.)
Let's say that after the previous segments, you ran out and bought a flat-panel monitor to replace that clunky tube on your desktop. You could throw the old one in your closet just in case the flat panel goes flatline. But what happens for smart people who like to clear out their old junk instead of just moving it around? And what happens when the tube just up and dies?
The answer is not "throw it in the garbage." In many states, monitors--and computers themselves--are considered hazardous waste. And in places like Seattle, even the hazardous-waste facility that takes old paint, pesticides and fluorescent lamps won't accept computer stuff.
So what do you do? Well, if the unit works, you might be able to give it to a local charity or a national group like the National Cristina Foundation. But don't be surprised if, when you're ready to chuck the thing, nobody will want it, even for free. Still, particularly if you have an entire system that's not too old, you might benefit somebody who could really use it. And you might qualify for a tax deduction to boot.
And don't forget "freecycling," about which you'll find information at the Freecycle Network Web site. This is a Web community dedicated to giving stuff away absolutely free in communities around the nation. If your monitor (or anything else you want to get rid of) works, there may be somebody else who wants it. Think eBay without any money changing hands.
But if that fails, or your gear just plain doesn't work anymore, many localities have special facilities that take old monitors and other computer equipment. The best way to find out about them is to use your local waste-disposal facility's Web site--or just give the trash company a call.
Expect to pay a small fee to get rid of each item. Some companies pick up; some don't. Shop around. And another place to shop--shopping in reverse, if you will--is at companies that make the stuff. For example, Dell and Hewlett-Packard will take back not just their own products, but almost anything. Both companies want you to pack the stuff up; then you go online, fill out a form, and they'll send out a courier service to pick it up for a fee. And some electronics retailers throw recycling fairs now and then, usually for a fee, often in the mall parking lot. They may take stuff the computer makers won't. But whatever you do, don't throw these things in the garbage. It's an insult to the environment--and increasingly, it's against the law.
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