We all have a drawer where the broken alarm clock, cell phone, chargers and extensions go. Sounds familiar?

Yes, we hope that one day we’ll find a use for them, or that someone will fix them. Unfortunately, most of these things end up in landfills, along with the thousands of computers, TVs, microwaves and other electronics we throw away every year.

While regular recycling programs don’t provide a way to dispose of e-waste, there are a few things you can do in South Florida:

>>The site Earth911 helps you find recycling centers in your area by item: paint, batteries, computers, etc.

??The site My Green Electronics allows you to find e-waste recycling facilities within your area by doing a zip code search (there are more than a dozen in or around Central Miami).

>>Call2Recycle helps you dispose of cell phones and batteries by providing you with envelopes and free shipping.

>>Some AT&T stores have broke or old cell phone drop-off boxes (no matter the phone’s brand). Check which one near you does here.

>>Best Buy has electronics drop off boxes in all of its stores, and hosts recycling events annually.

>>Earlier, I blogged on the Recycling Center for America, which disposes of CDs and DVDS.

>>You can also find a list of resources at the Environmental Protection Agency e-waste site.

Here are answers to the usual things we wonder before recycling electronics:

Privacy
Many people worry about their privacy and personal information that might remain in computer. Even if you delete all your information before donating a computer (which is highly recommended) technicians at the recycling facility must also follow a hard drive cleaning policy, so there’s nothing to worry about. If you still want to be sure, you can get a hardware cleaning software.

Cost
Many drop-off recycling centers will take your electronics for free, but some will charge you, especially if you are disposing of commercial waste. Call ahead to check of this and other policies. I know at least of one center that requires proof of residency.

Reusable electronics vs junk
Many recycling facilities are non-profits that repair electronics and donate them to schools and organizations. This means they won’t be able to do much with physically-damaged equipment. Check with them before dropping off anything.

What do you do with your e-waste? What has your experience been like with local recycling facilities? We’d love to read your comments.

Photo by greenbk