Unwanted consumer electronics - cell and smart phones, computers and monitors, televisions, DVD and MP3 players, pagers, PDAs and other devices - are the fastest-growing category of waste in Massachusetts.  Until recently, Bay Staters were discarding more than 900,000 units annually on average, but that number has increased due to the federally-mandated transition to digital television broadcasting.  If you own an analog TV, there is no need to replace it right away.  You can extend its useful life by purchasing a digital converter box.

When you do have a television or any other unwanted electronics to discard, remember that still useful items can be donated to others.  Non-working electronics should be recycled to prevent lead, mercury and other toxics they contain from posing health and environmental risks after disposal.  Some electronics - the cathode ray tubes (CRTs) found in most computer and television screens pre-dating flat panels - are banned from Massachusetts landfills and combustion facilities.

Source: MassDEP