If you are are like most folks, you have accumulated more than a few electronic gizmos you don’t need any more.

As years go by, old computers, printers, fax machines, copiers, televisions and cell phones tend to pile up people upgrade to the latest models.

Question is, what to do with all the old stuff?

Here’s one answer, which is both ecologically friendly and helps out those who can’t afford to buy some of the items that most of us take for granted.

The Goochland Anti-Litter and Recycling Committee (GARC) is partnering with TechReach of Central Virginia on March 27, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., in a recycling event to be held at the Fairgrounds Building.

“Anything with a plug,” responded GARC Coordinator Leigh Dunn, who is also Goochland County’s Environmental Planner, when asked what could be dropped off at the recycling event.

“There are hazardous materials like lead, mercury and other heavy metals in computer monitors,” said Dunn.

The organization uses a $6,000 grant from the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality to finance the recycling program, said Dunn.

Last year GARC collected 5,719 lbs. of e-waste, as it’s called. Almost half of it was refurbished for reuse.

TechReach Executive Director Bert Hardy said if old computers are still viable, his organization will refurbish and donate them.

If not, they will be broken down and the components recycled, said Hardy.

Last year his organization refurbished and gave away about 50 computers, through organizations like Goochland Family Services, Caritas and the Healing Place.

There’s no need to worry about any data on the hard drive of an old computer, said Hardy.

“We certify that we wipe it clean,” said Hardy. “It’s a primary concern of ours.”

Hardy described TechReach as a 501-3-C non-profit organization of information technology professionals giving back to the community. All but one of the TechReach board members is a Goochland resident.

TechReach even pays the cost of about $800 to a local recycling firm to dispose of items that cannot be refurbished, said Hardy.

To find out more about the event, visit TechReach’s Web site at http://techreachva.org/Additional_Information.html or call Leigh Dunn at 556-5850.