What do you do with an old cell phone that you no longer use, or a computer that's become obsolete? If your answer is that you throw them away, it's time to come up with a new strategy. Computers and electronics contain many recyclable materials, like glass and copper, which should never just be thrown in the trash. And electronics like cell phones, laptops, and tablets contain batteries that can become environmental hazards if they wind up in a dump. Check out some environmentally friendly ways to get rid of your old electronics.

Sell Them

There are buy-back programs for all sorts of electronic items, especially computers, cell phones, and video games. In many cases, you can even sell electronics that don't work or are broken. The electronics are then fixed up and refurbished for resale. You won't make a fortune from a buy-back program, but you can at least earn a few dollars toward your next upgrade.

If you can't find a buy-back program, try posting a free ad on an online classified site for your local area. You may find someone willing to buy your old television, laptop, or tablet for parts. Just like some people enjoy fixing up old cars, others enjoy fixing up old electronics. Those people are always looking for spare parts.

Donate Them

If selling them sounds like too much work for too little money, consider donating your old electronics to a good cause. Some battered women's shelters take donations of old but working cell phones to give to their clients. Schools will often take outdated but working computers.

If you know of a church or another local charity that sells things in order to raise money for a cause you support, you can find out if they'll take your old electronics to sell for charity. You can also try local homeless shelters – old computers can help their clients in finding jobs and applying for resources.

Recycle Them

If you just want to get rid of your old electronics as quickly and easily as possible, the best thing that you can do is recycle them. There are several computer manufacturers that will take computers of any brand for recycling. Some even offer free pick up.

You may also want to check with your local office supplies store or electronics store. Some of them have recycling programs that allow you to drop off your old electronics at a location near you. Click here for more information on the simplest and easiest ways to get your old electronics out of your house.

Whether you're selling them, donating them to a good cause or recycling your electronics, you're doing a good thing for the environment and your community by not throwing your old electronics in the trash.