Recycle technology items for free on America Recycles Day

I have an old computer that's been sitting in our basement for about 2-3 years. Partly because we forget about it, partly because we always think we resurrect it and partly because it's such a pain to get rid of. In the past we've gotten rid of them by donating, but not many places will take old computers anymore. Our recycling center takes them for a small fee, but I'm cheap and lazy and always believe that we could make better use out of the old beast. Honestly, though, no one in our household is savvy enough to make it useful again.

So imagine my excitement when I learned about Staples participation in America Recycles Day. Staples is offering to take old desktop computers, laptops, monitors, printers and fax machines this Saturday (11/15) for America Recycles Day. To sweeten the deal for each item you recycle the store will also give you a $30 off coupon to use in their store or online.

Staples is also running their Mountains of Technology program which donates $5 per recycled item to local high schools. The only stores participating in the Mountains of Technology are Littleton and Boulder. They'll divide their donations between three high schools in each area.

So don't forget America Recycles Day-Saturday, Nov. 15. Even if you don't have an old computer to take to Staples you can step up your recycling efforts.

Sell Your Electronics

There's a new website that's on a mission to change the world– one cell phone, one laptop, one iPod at a time. It's called Gazelle. And here's how they describe themselves:

It is our purpose – and our promise – to provide a practical, rewarding way for people to finally rid themselves of all those old cell phones, digital cameras, and gaming systems that they no longer use, but can’t seem to find a way to let go of.

Too often when people think of recycling, they rush straight to smashing things into bits for parts. We believe that reuse should always come first. If your GPS unit still works, why not keep it in circulation AND get paid for it? If reusing isn’t in the cards, then let us recycle that vintage camcorder. We think of it as reCommerce.

What you do is enter whatever device you want to get rid of then Gazelle tells you how much they will pay you for it. They also let you know future value. Then you decide if you want to sell it to them. If you do they give you a prepaid shipping label to print and use.

Items that are reusable will have all personal data removed and sold. Unusable items will be properly recycled.

Gazelle is brand new. They just launched last month. But already it appears that the idea is catching on. They just announced this week that they received 2 3G iPhones. Yep, technology moves at the speed of light. So remember electronics become outdated rather quick. My 2-yr-old GPS unit isn't worth much now.

Gazelle will take bulk items from schools, businesses and other organizations too. And if the cash is less important to you than getting rid of stuff you can donate your cash to charity.

This Gazelle seems like great idea. Let's hope it keeps building.