E-Gad!

Americans discard more than 100 million computers, cellphones and other electronic devices each year. As "e-waste" piles up, so does concern about this growing threat to the environment

At least 60 million PCs have already been buried in U.S. landfills, and according to the National Safety Council, nearly 250 million computers will become obsolete between 2004 and 2009, or 136,000 a day. Where will all these gizmos go, and what impact will they have when they get there?

In an excerpt for Smithsonian from her new book Garbage Land: On the Secret Trail of Trash, author Elizabeth Royte plunges feet-first into the controversies and challenges of disposing of outmoded electronic devices, including the 100 million or so cellphones that Americans discard annually. Environmentalists are pushing for new laws governing disposal of e-waste, including rules that hold manufacturers responsible for recycling, but some industry representatives oppose such moves. As the e-waste debate heats up, Royte poses thoughtful questions that illuminate a growing problem.

More information on recycling electronic devices:

Electronic Industries Alliance Consumer Education Initiative Web site

Silicon Valley Toxics Coalition Web site

Consumer Electronics Retailers Coalition Electronic Device End-of-Life Issues Web site

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Product Stewardship Web site

Computer Takeback Campaign Web site

Per Scholas Web site

ElectroniCycle Web site

International Association of Electronics Recyclers Web site