If you think about it, our everyday world is more and more made up of electronic gadgets, from cell phones, iPods and other mp3 players, to computers and televisions, DVDs, Blackberries and Wii players.
Many of these are dumped in the trash after only a few years of use according to most consumer resources.
Not to mention the fact that with the death of analog, more and older model TV's are hitting the landfills.
Add to that number all of the tossed out broken or outdated household electronics such as CD players, refrigerators, dishwashers and washing machines, and the consequence is a landfill filling up pretty quickly.
Since modern advances in technology is moving so quickly, the products you bought two to three years ago are almost obsolete.
The result is that we are becoming an increasingly throw away instead of repair society.
No wonder the Maytag man is so lonely.
The solution? E-cycle.
Many less affluent parts of your country and the world still have use for older models of computers, cell phones and televisions.
Schools and non-profit organizations who cannot afford the latest and greatest out there in technology would be grateful for a two or three year old model.
Collecting older cell phones and laptops for soldiers and missionaries to use so they can communicate with loved ones back home is growing in popularity.
Organizations such as Goodwill and the Salvation Army who help the down and out get back on their feet by learning a new technological or manufacturing skill can benefit from programs that refurbish electronics.
All of these donation ideas for your used electronics may be tax deductible.
More and more companies are seeing the benefits, both economically and ethicall, of setting up centers where people can bring in their older appliances and electronics to be refurbished or torn down for spare parts.
If you think about it, there have been auto junkyards for decades.
Why not computer or television "junkyards"? The glass, wiring or plastic components may also be sent to recycling plants to be turned into new products.
The new 36" flat computer screen you buy next year could be made from your old dishwasher - figuratively, of course.
There are even monetary incentives for recycling used electronics.
As world citizens become more "green" conscious, and they are, companies who advertise that they participate in E-cycling will gain in popularity and consumer loyalty.
Because many of the products contain mercury or lead, there are strict guidelines for recycling electronic parts set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the United States.
Not all E-cyclers world wide abide by these standards.
Therefore, it is wise to do a little research first before handing your electronics over to be recycled.
Make sure you find out where they are going.