Sales of hi-tech gadgets are booming. But throwing out old unwanted electronics can be dangerous.

In 2005, The Environmental Protection Agency said American's tossed away 200,000,000 tons of electronic waste. Only about 15% was recycled.

Kelvin Fernandez repairs computers at Best Buy. He said the older tube monitors and LCD monitors need to be disposed of properly. They contain lead, mercury and other heavy metals.

“Tat can be dangerous if they leak out of the monitor and into the ground which could seep into the water supply,” he said.

Consumers can take old computers and monitors to any full service recycling center in Mecklenburg County or donate them to charity to be resold. And the ink cartridges from computer printers also make up a huge chunk of e-waste.

Consumers can mail the old cartridge back to a recycling center for free.

At the University Best Buy, they have a box where you can leave smaller electronics, like PDA's, to be recycled.

Circuit City allows consumers to trade in electronics that still work for a gift card.

Full Service Centers:

North Mecklenburg Recycling Center and Yard Waste
12300 N. Statesville Road

West Mecklenburg Recycling Center
8440 Byrum Drive

Hickory Grove Recycling Center and Yard Waste
8007 Pence Road

Foxhole Recycling Center and Yard Waste
17131 Lancaster Highway