WHAT DO YOU KNOW ABOUT E-WASTE?

Do you have any old computers or TVs in your house? Did you finally buy the latest Play Station Console and don’t know what to do with the old one? Well, think twice before tossing them into the trash. Whatever it is, you must check if there is a chance of recycling first. Vermont was one of the states to pass an e-waste law. The law bans electronics waste from landfills. "I think the law is a good idea," said Kevin Wilkinson. Wilkinson lives in Montpelier, Vermont. He has many old computer parts sitting around. "There are a lot of heavy metals in these electronics. It's good to keep that stuff out of the landfills."

The U.S. piles up 2 million tons of e-waste each year. These electronics can contain lead, mercury, and other harmful metals. If those toxins leach from landfills into the environment, risks to human health can include cancer and nervous system damage.

What about states without recycling laws? People must get rid of old equipment on their own. They usually pay a few dollars to recycle each item. Sometimes, computer stores or other businesses accept e-waste. What happens to these electronics? They are often shipped to other countries. There, they are taken apart. Some materials are reused. Others are thrown away.

State e-waste laws are not all the same. The newest laws are the toughest. The first e-waste laws generally covered computer screens and televisions. Later laws included other computer items. They also covered smaller electronics like tablets, phone parts, etc.

Vermont's law is one of the toughest. It bans e-waste from landfills. The law is taking effect in two stages. First, many electronic devices were banned from landfills beginning January 1, 2011. Other items are also covered by a recycling program which started on July 1, 2011. The recycling program is free to users but not free for manufacturers.

Wilkinson says he may now clear out some of his e-waste. He admits he has "a hard time throwing stuff away." In the past, he paid $5 to $10 an item to recycle old equipment. It might be easier to get rid of some things if it's free.