STUFF THAT WORKS: The National Cristina Foundation accepts donations in all 50 states and distributes electronics to schools, charities and public agencies. Donation must not require major repair. For more information, visit www.cristina.org.

Donate items for use at schools, churches or even the Red Cross. For ideas, go to www.Computers4Kids.net, or find a list of other possible recipients at www.epa.gov/e-cycling/donate.htm.

STUFF THAT DOESN'T WORK: Community colleges and technical colleges often accept electronics that don't work. Students take the equipment apart and learn how to put it back together again so it works.

Contact your local school district or church. One reader's local school organized a drive to collect old electronics. Then the school turned them in for money. Here is what reader Nancy said: "Our school system asked anyone who had old computers or other electronic items to contact them by a certain date and they would be collected. Then the group 'cashed' them in somewhere for money to give back to the school."

To find an e-waste recycling center near you, go to www.myGreenElectronics.org.

Exchange your unwanted gadgets for a Crutchfield gift card at http://crutchfield.cexchange.com/online/home/index.rails.

Best Buy stores host periodic weekend recycling events in their parking lots for larger electronics, such as computers, computer equipment, audio equipment, TVs and more. Smaller items, such as batteries and ink cartridges, may be dropped off in any store. The Best Buy delivery team will take some items, including TVs and home appliances such as washing machines, when dropping off a new one. Go to www.BestBuy.com/recycling for more information.

Office Depot has a recycling program. You'll need to purchase a box and pay for shipping, but it's a handy way to get rid of printers and other larger items for just a few bucks. Check with your local Office Depot store.

Another reader found that some Goodwill Industries International locations accept e-waste. Reader Kristal reports: "I wanted to let you know that Goodwill is a good option for old electronics because in cities such as Austin, Texas, they have entire electronics divisions where they hire people who need to learn skills. They teach them how to work on computers to prepare them for resale. Electronics get recycled, and these programs help people learn a new trade." For more information, go to www.goodwill.org and search for "computers."

CELL PHONE RECYCLING: Working or not, your old cell phone, together with its charger, can make a big difference in the life of a soldier. Go to www.CellPhonesForSoldiers.com to learn more.

Get some cash. Go to www.CellForCash.com or www.SimplySellular.com to find out what your old cell phone might be worth if you chose to sell it. I just checked mine (which is still on its last ring), and it's worth $54.

Mary Hunt is the founder of DebtProofLiving.com and author of 17 books, including "Debt-Proof Living." You can e-mail her at mary@everydaycheapskate.com, or write to Everyday Cheapskate, P.O. Box 2135, Paramount, CA 90723. To find out more about Mary Hunt and read her past columns, please visit the Creators Syndicate Web page at www.creators.com.
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