Public service corner: how to dispose of an old computer.

Dell's Exchange program allows consumers to trade in an old PC for cash, recycle it and auction it to the highest bidder. They can also donate the refurbished computer to charity.

Gateway's new Trade-in system gives customers a rebate when they purchase a Gateway product and trade in their pre-owned PC or peripheral product.

Apple has a product end-of-life, and IBM offers product recycling for PC owners and small businesses.

Hewlett-Packard's Planet Partners creates a means to recycle PCs, printers, servers and scanners. The program charges shipping and handling fees, about $13 to $34 per item, to cover collection costs.