Electronic waste — or e-waste as it's commonly called — is a growing solid waste problem. The ever-increasing volume of electronic products, from computers and cell phones to digital cameras and i-pods, means an ever-increasing volume of waste. So many electronic products are intentionally designed for a short life span that two to three years out of a computer system is a "good deal" these days.

So, what can we do? The following five steps can help:

1. Upgrade existing systems.
2. Donate or sell usable electronics.
3. Recycle old electronics.
4. Buy greener technology when possible.
5. Encourage manufacturers to take responsibility for the e-waste they produce.

More than 54 TONS of electronics were recycled through the District's program from July 2005 through June 2006.