E-waste, such as computers, printers, tablets and cell phones, contain toxic heavy metals such as lead, mercury, and cadmium. These toxic ingredients of our electronics can have long-term effects such as cancer, DNA damage, or birth defects. When they are thrown away in the trash, they end up in landfills, and these toxic compounds can leak into soil and water, polluting lakes and streams and making them unfit for drinking, swimming, fishing, and supporting wildlife. It’s vital to attempt repair or recycle your old electronics carefully and never simply dispose of it with the trash.