I bought a new microwave and now I want to get rid of my old one. Where do I take it to?

Whatever you do, do not, I repeat, do not, throw it in the garbage or attempt to leave it on the side of the road. That’s illegal because of the environmentally sensitive materials they contain.

Not intending to “recycle” information myself (insert reluctant chuckle here), I will be doing almost that to answer this question. Last week’s column provided information on where to go to find out which items were acceptable and unacceptable for recycling, and provided www.naparecycling.com, the Web site of Napa Recycling and Waste Services, as a resource.

Microwaves and other items, such as computers and computer equipment, televisions, telephones, fax machines, copiers, VCRs, tape players, stereo equipment, radios, PDAs, cell phones, VHS tapes, CDs, microwaves, blenders, food processors, toasters, vacuums, coffee makers, dishwashers, refrigerators, ovens, washers and dryers, etc., are all considered electronic waste, or e-waste.

According to the Web site, one of the places you can take said microwave to, or other e-waste, is Napa Recycling & Composting Facility, located at 820 Levitin Way, in American Canyon. They are open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. You can also have some items picked up (for a fee). Please note that a fee may be applied to some larger items that are dropped off as well. Refer to the Web site for more details or call Napa Recycling & Composting Facility at 255-5200. All e-waste can also be taken to Clover Flat Landfill (call 963-7988). Select items can also be taken to Goodwill Thrift Stores (call 1-800-400-2720 or visit www.gire.org).

Coincidentally, in the middle of this write-up, I was handed a flyer for an upcoming event which addresses this question directly. How serendipitous. The free 8th annual “Anything with a Cord” recycling event takes place Friday, June 13 and Saturday, June 14, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., on the soccer field parking lot at Napa Valley College, 2277 Napa-Vallejo Highway, in Napa. To avoid any misunderstandings on whether items will be accepted, please call 255-5200 in advance.

According to the City of Napa, it is estimated that more than six million outdated computer monitors and televisions are stockpiled in California garages, closets and attics. This electronic equipment can be harmful to the environment and human health if not properly recycled. A typical television or computer monitor, for example, contains seven pounds of lead. Reuse of e-waste is preferable to recycling, and two local nonprofit organizations — Napa Valley Computers to Schools and Computer Recycling Center — have teamed up to screen the incoming computer equipment. Both organizations refurbish and donate working equipment to schools, community organizations and others in need. Non-reusable electronics will be recycled by Fresno-based Electronic Recyclers, the largest recycler of e-waste in California.

What is Glad You Asked?

Glad You Asked attempts to answer readers’ questions. Have inquiries taking up valuable space? Send them to me at dmontanez@napanews.com or call me at 256-2224.