National Geographic
E-cycling Etiquette: How to Help
Americans toss out about two million tons of
unwanted electronics annually, fouling landfills. [Rs
with toxic lead from old computer monitors, o
cadmium from leaking batteries, and more. Photograph by
But it’s getting easier to discard responsibly. Jeanne Modderman
Some charities repurpose old cell phones
as lifelines for seniors and victims of domestic violence, and computers
can go to underfunded schools. Reputable recyclers will properly scrap
unusable electronics, though they sometimes charge a small fee. Donating
newer models, on the other hand, can earn a tax deduction, so keeping
old gadgets from gathering dust helps you and the environment. For more
information on charities and recyclers, go to epa.gov/ecycling.
(www.nationalgeografic.com/magazine)
The text states that
a) charity groups make seniors and sick people reuse their own old
electronics in order to spend time doing something useful.
b) Americans are currently having a hard time getting rid of their old
stuff.
c) unless you donate more recent models, you won’t have a discount.
d) official recyclers can always pick up your unwanted machines for
free.
e) toxic substances leaking from batteries dirt the streets in big cities
throughout the USA.