Today the merciless pace of technology transforms cutting-edge computers into virtual Commodore 64s within a few years. It takes a little time, effort and even a few bucks, but those discarded computers and other consumer electronics can – and, New Jersey solid and Hazardous Waste officials say, should – be recycled.

Computer monitors and televisions contain lead, cadmium and mercury – all toxic substances that can seep into the water supply from landfills. According to a 2003 report by the International Association of Electronics Recyclers, more than 100 million CPUs, monitors and printers will become potential scrap each year, which is also bad news for crammed landfills.

Most recycling centers in New Jersey and some of the towns accept computers and consumer electronics for recycling, although it’s not as easy as dragging your newspapers to the curb. Some counties and municipalities hold special drop-off events, free to residents, a few times a year. Other counties allow residents to dispose of their computers and electronics free or for a small fee at their recycling centers or landfills throughout the year.

Rather than disposing your computer, the best option for proper management of "retired" computer equipment is material recovery for all usable parts. If the equipment still functions, consider donating it to a local school or nonprofit organization.

As part of any computer recycling service, your chosen partner should offer the following services:

• Compliance with relevant local/ state and central government/ congressional requirements and legislation

• Data Destruction for hard drives to US government/ Canadian/ Australian standards

• Asset tracking for all obsolete/ faulty computer hardware. You need to know where your computers end up.

• Non export of your used computer equipment. Recycling should not mean illegal dumping or export to developing countries. (in compliance with the Basel Action Network)

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has embraced an Extended Product Responsibility approach to the environmentally friendly disposition of these products. The EPA instituted the Common Sense Initiative (CSI) in 1994 to seek "...cleaner, cheaper, and smarter" solutions to the environmental issues concerning used computers and electronics.