Recycling e-waste

Federal government researchers estimate 75 percent of all computers ever sold in the United States are still sitting somewhere, waiting to be thrown out.

Gee....75%? I know there is one laptop sitting in my room doing nothing. The last time I turned it on (or the last time it could be turned on) was almost two years ago. I keep it there for two reasons, first, in principle the parts can be taken out for other use; second, it's small and doesn't bother me. So in case I'd like to dispose it, what should I do?

Under pressure from environmental groups, Dell, Apple and Hewlett-Packard have recently set up computer recycling programs that allow users to send their old computers and components back to the manufacturer to be recycled for free or a small fee. Many municipal and county governments also have added monthly or annual e-waste collection days to their recycling programs.

Since my unusable laptop isn't any of those brands, I guess I have to rely on my municipality (Princeton Township), or let it go into landfill, but

......the dangerous lead, mercury and other toxic materials inside them -- are ..... ending up in landfills.

So

In some states, including California, consumers pay a few dollars every time they buy a computer to fund a state recycling program. Other states have passed legislation requiring electronics manufacturers to cover some of the cost of recycling.

New Jersey lawmakers debated similar legislation last year that would require computer manufacturers to assume some of the cost of recycling. A separate proposal would have required consumers buying new televisions to pay a small fee to help cover the cost of recycling old sets. But the legislation has not made it to a vote.

I'm for such kind of measure. I guess that solves quite some problems to lots of people. BTW, what's the major con reasons for that? When NJ legislature doesn't take a vote, that usually means the leaders (Senate President and Asembly Speaker) think there are not enough of votes to pass the bill, and I guess that means quite some people are against paying a few dollars to ensure your ability to dispose your computers without problems. I just wonder why.