Recycling is the process of taking a product at the end of its useful life and using all or part of it to make another product. The internationally recognized symbol for recycling includes three arrows moving in a triangle. Each arrow represents a different part of the recycling process, from collection to re-manufacture to resale.

But what does all this have to do with you? Well, recycling is a simple way that you, as a consumer, can help out the environment, create a profitable market for recycled goods and help preserve natural resources from being depleted. So…let’s get involved!

How?

Use Earth911.com's Search

In the recycling database, you can find more than 100,000 recycling locations across the country. With information provided by local governments, industry insiders, organizations and everyday consumers, you can recycle hundreds of products, from packing peanuts to computers.

1. What and Where – Simply enter the item you have for recycling and your location.
2. Get Results, Fast - Earth911 will show you the closest place to take your stuff.
3. Close The Loop – Recycle it, and keep it out of the landfill

Why?

Recycling reduces our waste sent to landfills. Also, making new products out of recycled ones reduces the amount of energy needed in production. The U.S. EPA estimates that 75 percent of our waste is recyclable, which goes well beyond what you toss in your recycling bin at home or at school.

Recycling serves two key purposes:

1. It keeps valuable materials, such as aluminum and paper, out of landfills so this material can be reused in other forms and not wasted.
2. It prevents hazardous materials and chemicals, such as lead and mercury, from ending up in landfills, where they can contaminate soil and leach into our drinking water.

Because of hazardous risks associated with our trash, it’s important to recycle your products – including those you may not initially think of recycling. This includes batteries, electronics, motor oil, paint and any product that has “Caution” or “Warning” on the label.

Computers are a primary contributor to electronic waste (e-waste), posing a major disposal issue because they are made up of various components that are toxic to the environment.

The Institute for Local Self-Reliance estimates that 75 percent of obsolete electronics are currently stored, which will one day result in a massive disposal issue for the world. With continued innovations in technology, there is an increasing opportunity to recycle computers, limiting the number that end up in landfills. But before you think about getting rid of anything, make sure you have weighed all your options. Think about upgrading, donating or selling or recycling.

Upgrade It

So, your computer isn't performing up to par. What aspect of it is not changeable, and what can be upgraded? Some of the basic upgrades can fix the simple problems:

• Lack of speed, space or memory
• Better images, resolutions or a bigger screen
• The ability to edit movies or record music
• Play video games online or from your hard drive
• Need to run better software or a new operating system

Video cards, more ram and DVD burners are all things that can be added to computers to meet some of the above needs. Find a local IT specialist to help you out. Though some of these upgrades are more costly than others, they are usually cheaper than buying something new. But they might not always be worth it. Make sure you aren't putting a Porsche engine into a Pinto body.

Donate or Sell It

If your computer is in working order, and you've just out grown it, the best option is to sell it. Start with your friends and families, and ask they are looking for a computer. Also, there are many local nonprofits, schools or outreach programs that could benefit from such a donation. Need a jump start on your search? Use Earth911.com's recycling database to find computer donation options in your area.

If you are looking to put a little cash in your pocket, try listing your computer on Ebay or Craigslist.

Recycle It

If it is just time to put that computer to rest, looking for recycling programs is a must. According to the U.S. EPA, more than 800 communities have created electronics collection events to help manage e-waste. Many computer manufacturers and retailers offer some kind of take-back program or recycling event. Mail-in programs are also great options for recycling. These programs can be substituted if local options are not available.