What To Do With Your Old Electronics

When you open that holiday gift containing the latest and greatest tech gadget this year, think twice about what you're going to do with the old one.

The typical American family throws away 540 pounds of metals each year. According to the Consumer Electronics Association, Americans own approximately 24 electronic products per household, which means that electronics are a significant part of our trash each year -- and many contain harmful chemicals, like lead and mercury. This is called "e-waste" and it has a harmful effect on our environment and our overall health (check out these crazy electronic waste gallery from China!). Yikes.

Take it from us: Here's how to get rid of your old gadgets in a way that's better for you and the environment.

1. Sell 'em
First, you can try to get some cash by listing the items on Craigslist, eBay or a company like Gazelle or TechForward who will pay you cash for your old phones and such. Remember, your trash might be someone else's treasure.

2. Give 'em away
If that doesn't work, try donating your old electronics to an organization. The EPA has a great list of orgs that will accept your old iPod. Another option is listing it on Freecycle, which helps connect individuals hunting for items with those giving them away.

3. Recycle
Another option is to recycle -- or ecycle -- them. Ecycling, which refers to the recycling of metals and electronics, is big business these days since electronics are almost replaced on a yearly basis. First, check to see if the brand you're chucking has a recycling program. For example, Sony, Samsung and Nokia have put programs in place for old electronics.

There are national ecycling centers that are dedicated to recycling electronics. Find one near you by entering your zip code at myGreenElectronics, E-cycling Central or the EPA website. Some places will even come and pick up your stuff!