Programs are being implemented by manufacturers and distributors to handle electronics materials to better protect the environment from lead, cadmium, mercury and other harmful components used to make such products.

Cell phones and electronic gadgets are selling and being replaced at a phenomenal pace. The result is a large volume of used material now designated as e-wastes. Programs are being implemented by manufacturers and distributors to handle these materials to better protect the environment from lead, cadmium, mercury and other harmful components used to make such products.

Office Depot recently concluded a seven-week program in all of it stores, collecting 10.5 million pounds of unwanted consumer electronics for recycling. Meanwhile, many other companies have similar programs.

Visit a favorite search engine and type a company name plus the word "recycle" to find programs that other companies may offer. In some cases, not only is the environment protected, but there are also offers to reduce the price of future purchases. Type in a local city and state name with the word recycle to find if a program exists near a facility.

The EPA has awarded its first contracts to help all federal agencies to environmentally dispose computers and other used electronic equipment. Called Government Wide Acquisition Contracts for Recycling Electronics and Asset Disposition (READ) services, they provide federal agencies with a dependable method of properly recycling and disposing of excess or obsolete electronic equipment. For more information on the READ program visit www.epa.gov/oamhpod1/admin_placement/0300115/fact.htm.