Are you tired of hearing about electronics recycling yet? It's been getting plenty of attention the past couple years. The media constantly runs stories about how many old computers and other electronics are piling up across the country, and all the toxics in them. But don't tune out, even if it seems like old news - there's still a lot to say, and do, about this problem, and there have been a multitude of new developments lately.

A ground-breaking "product stewardship" law goes into effect in Washington state next January that requires manufacturers to provide collection of computers and TVs at no charge for residents and small businesses, so those electronics can be recycled or reused. Washington was the fourth state to pass such a law, in 2006, but now about 13 states have similar laws on the books, including Oregon.

The electronics industry dislikes having a patchwork of different state electronics recycling laws that they have to comply with. As the result of interest from both the industry and environmental groups, the U.S. Congress seems to be getting closer to passing a national electronics recycling law. In fact, Congress held a hearing about this just last week. The CNET technology news website covered the hearing, and this was one of the most interesting quotes, from Rep. Roscoe Bartlett (R-Md.): "Here we are today talking about a problem that's almost totally self-inflicted," Bartlett said, adding, "People need to work. Why can't they work rebuilding this equipment or repairing it rather than just throwing it away?"

I think Roscoe is absolutely right - there needs to be more emphasis on the reuse of electronics.

The Take It Back Network, supported by King, Snohomish, Pierce and Yakima counties, lists businesses and organizations that have pledged to recycle or reuse electronics in an environmentally responsible manner, and not to export toxics to developing countries. It includes several organizations that emphasize the reuse of computers. Today I'd like to highlight one of those: InterConnection, which I recently visited and was very impressed with.

A non-profit that specializes in computer reuse, InterConnection is located in the Fremont neighborhood of Seattle. Director Charles Brennick describes their mission this way: "To make information technology accessible to underserved communities around the world." He adds, "InterConnection trains local low-income volunteers to test, fix and upgrade computers. These students not only receive valuable job training, they also receive a free computer after completing the program. The computers these students refurbish are then provided to schools and nonprofit organizations based locally and abroad."

And here's more info from Charles about how to donate: "InterConnection makes it easy to reuse your own old or unwanted computer. Anyone can drop off equipment at their center in Seattle, and businesses can schedule a convenient pick-up. InterConnection even accepts computers by mail and provides a free mail service for laptop donations. All data is securely erased or destroyed, and a tax-deductible receipt is provided for all equipment received."

Brennick is a fervent believer in computer reuse. As he points out:

- It's more green than recycling. Computer reuse extends the life of a computer. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, reusing just one computer with a standard cathode ray tube monitor prevents emission of more than 1,000 pounds of carbon dioxide.

- It can provide opportunity to someone in need. Computer reuse often involves refurbishing a computer to a fully-functioning state so that someone else can use it for years to come.

- It can provide valuable training. The process of refurbishing computers can provide computer-hardware skills training to those looking for better job opportunities.

One important thing to remember about computer reuse, in my opinion, is that you need to be understanding if a non-profit says your computer can't be reused and needs to be recycled. They can't reuse junk, and some older computers, or certain brands, must sadly be considered junk.

So consider computer reuse if you have an old unit to get rid of. The motto of InterConnection says it all: "Sharing technology. Creating opportunity."