Updated: May 23, 2011
About 1.5 to 1.9 million tons of used or unwanted electronics were dumped into landfills in 2005. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates just 345,000 to 379,000 tons of that so-called e-waste was recycled.
That's a lot of landfill space. It's also a health hazard, which is why 23 states have passed legislation that requires consumers to dispose of electronic waste properly.
Recently New York passed one of the most strict laws: "Starting in April 2011, manufacturers across the state must offer free programs allowing consumers to drop off their items for proper disposal. Manufacturers will also be prohibited from dumping e-waste in landfills. That same rule will go into effect for consumers starting Jan. 15, 2015."
Read on to discover why throwing out electronics is bad for you and the environment. Plus, check out the related links and learn how you can reverse the damage.
Slideshow: What old electronics do in a landfill and why they're so bad for the planet.
We went to India to investigate what happens to all the electronics we've left behind.
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