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How to: Get mileage out of your old tech stuff

By Danielle Beurteaux, www.deals.com, Source: MCT News Service

You're upgraded your laptop, gotten a slick new cell phone for your birthday, or maybe you're cleaning out the basement. But whatever you do, don't dump any of your technology in the trash. Not only is that a seriously bad environmental move _ many devices contain harmful chemicals like arsenic and lead that can seep into groundwater sources _ but you'd be wasting an opportunity to get some extra bang for your buck. So here are 3 steps to give and get when you want to say good-bye to your tech stuff.

Sell: Just because you don't want it doesn't mean you can't find somebody who does, no matter how old, out-of-date, or seemingly useless. Online, try ebay and craigslist or http://www.gazelle.com, a site where you can send in your electronics for cash. Organize a tech yard sale with your friends, apartment building, or block. Someone may be looking for the exact charger that you no longer need.

Swap: Thrifty Americans know that local swap meets are alive and well. Look at your town's website or a local paper for area meets and trade useless for something useful. Or try a site like www.barterquest.com where you put your old items up for offer and tell users what you want in exchange _ it's a win-win situation! Or try greenearthexchange.com, where you can get an Amazon.com gift card for sending in your old working electronics, even if they're a little worn.

Recycle: You already know you don't want your laptop going to a landfill but you may be able to get a little return on being green. Some stores offer a discount if you recycle items. Apple will give you a gift card for your old Mac if it's useable, and a 10% discount for old iPods and mobile phones. Look for local electronics retailers that offer similar programs.

And remember: before you take advantage of any of these tips, remove all your private information from cell phones, computers, answering machines, and anything else that stores data.

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Danielle Beurteaux is New York-based writer who writes about finance, thrifty ideas and green living. http://www.Deals.com is your easy-to-remember source for the best online deals, sales and coupons.

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