Technology moves fast.  We know we'll never be up to date with all the most recent technological gadgets but a lot of us give it a shot anyway.  All that technology being replaced is creating a huge e-waste problem. 

Electronic waste (we're talking computers, monitors, TVs, cellphones) contain heavy metals, plastics and other petro-chemicals and many include batteries that contain acids.  All these substances are extremely harmful to the environment. When thrown into landfills those heavy metals and acids leach into the ground, contaminating the soil and creating toxic runoff.  E-waste accounts for only 2% of the contents of US landfills-- but also 70% of their overall toxicity!

The good news is, most of the materials in e-waste are reusable or recyclable.  There are many companies and organisations out there, eager to take them off our hands. 

So if you have e-waste lying around your office (or home) or if you're thinking of upgrading one of your gadgets soon, don't throw the old stuff in the garbage!  Search for the e-waste depot nearest you and give that technology a second life.  If your place of employment is undergoing a techonogy upgrade, ask someone near the top if they're disposing of it in a green manner.  If not, what a great opportunity for you to make a difference and make sure that stuff isn't thrown away needlessly.  All it takes is a call to any technology salvaging organisation in Toronto and they'll be more than happy to pick the stuff up... and you'll be an environmental super-hero!