If you have been watching television or reading the papers in the last few weeks, you have more than likely seen coverage of Earth Day, which was celebrated this week.

Since its creation by U.S. Sen. Gaylord Nelson in 1970, Earth Day commemorations have spread around the world. Earth Day is now celebrated in about 175 countries. This year it is estimated that more than 1 billion people marked the day with some sort of participation in a green event.

We are all realizing that we need to take care of our Mother Earth so that she will continue to support us. While many of us recycle newspapers, plastics, glass and cans, we sometimes just toss that old cell phone and other small electronic gadget in the trash.

Larger equipment such as computer monitors and televisions are often just set aside when they are replaced by newer models. In fact, it is estimated that more than 100 million cathode-ray televisions are currently sitting in garages and basements across the country. As we move to digital television, that number is expected to grow.

Electronic equipment, both large and small, is laden with toxic metals such as lead, mercury and cadmium. If thrown in a landfill, these chemicals can contaminate groundwater. If properly disposed of, almost everything in old computers, monitors, televisions and printers can be recycled into usable materials.

Plastic casings are shredded and used in injection-molding plastic products. The precious metals in cell phones and circuit boards can be extracted and reused.

Other metals and glass can be recycled into other electronic products. Even the lead in cathode-ray tubes can be recycled into new tubes.

With people more aware of recycling efforts and more excited about purchasing products made out of recycled materials, recycling efforts have multiplied. The good news is that many companies and retailers are stepping up to the plate to help us all with recycling efforts.

Almost all computer manufacturers, including Apple, Dell and HP, have recycling programs. Many stores such as Best Buy and Staples have drop-off bins near the front door where you can place your cell phones, ink cartridges, batteries and other small items for recycling. Staples will even give you a $3 store credit for each ink cartridge you bring in for recycling.

A recently announced program by Best Buy, however, is a fantastic one that everyone should be aware of. Best Buy will safely dispose of just about any broken or obsolete electronics including television sets (under 32 inches), computer monitors, computers, cell phones, DVD players and more.

Recycling of computers, printers and other electronics is free, no matter what the make or model.

The only charge is for items with screens such as televisions, monitors and laptops. That charge is $10 per item, but when you pay your $10, you get a $10 Best Buy gift certificate that can be used for a later purchase.

There are a few restrictions. There is a limit of two items per household per day, and they don't take large appliances or televisions larger than 32 inches. Computers need to have the hard drive removed, which you probably want to do anyway to keep your personal information secure.

Best Buy even makes removing the hard drive easy by giving online instructions. You can learn more about hard drive removal and about the entire Best Buy program at www.bestbuy.com/ green or at any Best Buy store.

Best Buy also has a trade-in program for items that are still usable. If your items are in workable condition, you may be able to trade it in for a Best Buy gift card. You can learn more about it at www.bestbuytradin. com.

I have to applaud Best Buy for making it easy to get rid of your old equipment in an ecologically sound manner. If you have an old television, computer or other digital device, you can now get rid of it quickly and easily.

Even if you have to pay $10, you get it right back in the form of a gift card. I have already carted some of my old equipment over to Best Buy. And I will be happy to return to Best Buy to use my $10 gift card because they are offering such a great recycling service.

Sandy Berger welcomes all of your questions and comments on today's column. Please post them on the Compu-Kiss Message Board at www.compukiss.com/happycomputing.