Technology today moves at the speed of light, and that brand new computer, television, or smartphone you bought a year ago could be obsolete today. Electronic items can also konk out on you, and it's tempting to just chuck them into the garbage bin. Unfortunately, electronic items can cause serious environmental hazards if they're not recycled properly, so throwing them in the trash is not recommended. Here are a few ways you can re-use or repurpose your older tech-related items.

Computers

If your laptop has bit the dust but the screen is still in working order, consider using it for an additional monitor. You can connect it to any other computer that's working to give you a dual screen option, providing you with more viewing space while working, playing games, or watching videos. If the hard drive is still fine but the monitor is failed, remove the hard drive and use it for an additional external storage space. It will give you another option to keep photos or documents stored on a separate drive without clogging up the computer you use more frequently. 

Televisions

Whether your older television set is on the fritz or you're just ready for an upgrade, there are some things you can do with it rather than dump it into the nearest landfill. Find out if any local schools, churches, or charities could use your old set as long as it's still operational. You could also qualify for a tax deduction for the items you donate. TV's that are working fine for simple applications like playing games or watching movies on DVD work just fine for those uses. Consider moving the old set to a game room or play room for a spare TV that can be used for the kids or to have something you can use without the need for high-definition cable television.

Smartphones

If you've upgraded your smartphone and you didn't trade your old one in, it can still serve several useful purposes. A working phone makes a great baby monitor. Set it up in a room and use the built-in camera for a simple wireless camera that can monitor activity and relay the footage to your current smartphone using any number of free apps that are available. If you'd rather use a standard alarm clock instead of your current phone, keep your old phone and just utilize the built-in clock and alarm to wake you up in the morning. Mount it on a stand near your bedside and keep it solely for the clock function. Your old smartphone can also be a dedicated mp3 player for exercising or working out and it'll save the memory on your current smartphone for other things.

When it comes to unwanted or older technology, think about how you can repurpose it to extend its lifespan and prevent unwanted waste. Contact a company like Main Street Fibers for more information about recycling your used electronics or components that no longer work.