Don't trash that gadget - someone else can use it

If Santa brought you a fabulous new GPS system, an iPhone or a high-def TV over the holidays, you may be wondering what to do with the old gadgets still lying around.

Here are a few ideas:

Green Earth Exchange offers the chance to recycle your old electronics into Amazon.com gift cards.

In addition to video cameras, laptops and TVs, Green Earth accepts gadgets such as MP3 players, satellite radios and e-readers.

Those that have no market value get recycled for free.

A hypothetical Garmin Nuvi 660 that I'm shopping around would garner $58.60 on the site. Learn more at greenearthexchange.com.

Target's getting into the trade-in game too. Through a partnership with Nextworth, at target.nextworth.com, it's giving gift cards for gadgets. My Nuvi would be worth $63.60 at Target.

Sony and Dell both will take used technology off your hands. If your old items are still new enough to be resold, they'll give you cash for them. If not, they'll recycle them.

Sony's trade-in program offers cash for IT and professional products such as printers, monitors, desktop computers and smart phones. You must provide proof of purchase of a Sony product for the deal to go through.

There's a deal offering up to $300 to people who trade in and purchase certain notebook computers. Check it all out at sony.tradeups.com.

Meanwhile, Dell Exchange offers Dell gift cards for everything from PCs to digital cameras. I'd get a cool $87 for my Garmin Nuvi from this site. Learn more at tinyurl.com/DellExchange.

You also can designate when purchasing a new Dell computer that you want the company to recycle your old one. The option is free.

Both Sony and Dell offer the opportunity to donate your unwanted computers to needy schools and nonprofits around the world through the National Cristina Foundation, www.cristina.org. Dell gives you a coupon for 10percent off as thanks.

If you want your computer to have influence a little closer to home, consider the Kramden Institute, a Durham nonprofit group that began as a father-and-son project and has since refurbished more than 4,000 computers for disadvantaged students. Learn more at www.kramden.org.

Recycle your rechargeable batteries and cell phones (which use rechargeable batteries) through Call2Recycle, which bills itself as the only free collection program for those items in North America.

There are a plethora of drop-off points in the Triangle, from Lowe's to Triangle Pharmacy; find them at www.call2recycle.org.

Finally, you can donate your cell phone to a good cause.

Verizon Wireless' HopeLine collects, refurbishes (when possible) and sells old phones and equipment. With the proceeds, the company donates wireless phones and airtime to victims of domestic violence and supports shelters and prevention programs. See how to donate at verizonwireless.com (search the site for HopeLine).

Cell Phones for Soldiers ( cellphonesforsoldiers.com) is collecting phones to give to soldiers when they return from Iraq and Afghanistan.

And through ReCellular, you can turn your phone into a donation for Red Crossearthquake relief in Haiti. Download a prepaid mailing label at www.phonesforhaiti. com .