Earth Day is Easy--eRecycle!

Saturday, April 22, is Earth Day, and I hope you'll join me in a pact to recycle at least one electronic item this weekend. Thanks to the growing number of organizations getting hip to recycling, the task is getting easier. Here are some of their plans.

* The Computer Reuse and Recycling Coalition is encouraging Americans to recycle 100,000 old PCs on Earth Day alone. They're calling it 100 Percent Day since some statistics show that, on average, more than 100,000 PCs are taken out of service every day in the United States. On Monday, they will announce the count of PCs collected. Here's where you can get info on how to participate.

* Circuit City announced a partnership with the Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation that allows you to drop off used batteries and cell phones in collection boxes at Circuit City stores. The program starts May 1. Radio Shack already has such a program if you're looking to offload these items this weekend.

* Apple announced an expansion of its recycling program. The company says that it will begin offering a free computer take-back and recycling program in June. Customers who buy a new Mac at Apple.com or one of the company's retail stores will get free shipping and "environmentally friendly disposal" of their old computer. More information is available on Apple's Web site.

* And if you've got old cell phones hanging around the house, CTIA--The Wireless Association has a great information page on how to erase your data on the old phone. The site also lists places and organizations that will recycle the phone for you.