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E-waste recycling laws generally employ one of two types of progams: producer take-back and advance recovery fee programs. Under producer take-back programs (also called extended producer responsibility), manufacturers are responsible for taking back discarded electronics and for properly recycling them. Proper recycling means collecting e-waste either in the manufacturer's own take-back program or in partnership with certified collection and recycling organizations. It doesn't mean shipping the waste to developing countries where it's out of sight, out of mind. Because such programs make manufacturers accountable for recycling their old products, take-backs also encourage companies to design products that use fewer toxic substances. Take-back programs are popular in Japan, South Korea, Taiwan and the European Union. In 2002, the EU enacted the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) and Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) directives, which require electronics manufacturers to manage their own e-waste and reduce their use of toxic chemicals. In the United States, few states have passed such e-waste recycling laws.While the details are being hammered out, what can we do about our­ closet full of old equipment? Follow the golden rule: Reduce, reuse and recycle. Keep your current electronics tip-top with routine maintenance and donate or sell your old but still working gear. The consumer electronics industry must sponsor a program likePlug-In to eCycling to make it easier to donate and recycle electronics at local, regional and national collection and recycling facilities. The program recycled or reused ) of computers, cell phones and televisions save greenhouse gas emissionsAnd anything that's just not able to be repaired or too old to be sold? Recycling these devices can recover metals, plastics and glass for reuse in new products. Earth 911 helps you find recycling centers near you.