Consumer electronics

To see whether you can get money for your old gear, go to www.ecosquid.com, where you can identify possible options for resale and recycling. Or try selling on eBay; somebody somewhere might be looking for an older model or its components. At www.earth911.com and www.digitaltips.org/green you can search for local electronics recycling programs.

Manufacturers and retailers also recycle gear. Best Buy accepts computers, TVs, and more, even items not bought there. Remove your computer hard drive or the store will charge $10 to do it. Acceptable items vary somewhat by store; check at www.bestbuy.com. Office Depot charges up to $15 for old electronics. Staples charges $10 to recycle large items, but there's no charge for Dell products.

Cell phones

Many manufacturers, retailers such as Ace Hardware, Best Buy, Home Depot, Lowe's, Office Depot, and Staples, and charities collect cell phones. Go to www.earth911.org or www.call2recycle.org and type in your ZIP code for locations near you.

Before you donate a phone, erase all identifying information, including your phone book, text messages, and calls you've made and received. To find out how, go online to your phone's manufacturer for instructions for the make and model of your phone.

CDs

Try to sell what you can on eBay, Craigslist, or similar sites, or trade with or give to friends. At Swap.com, trade your CDs, DVDs, or books for 50 cents or a dollar apiece plus shipping. As a last resort, recycle CDs at Best Buy. Check at www.bestbuy.com to make sure your local store accepts them.