HONOLULU (KHON2) -- Have you ever wondered what happens to old electronics like phones, computers and video game consoles when we throw them away? This is known as e-waste, or electronic waste; and it’s a big problem for our ʻaina, our wai and the planet in general. Get Hawaii's latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You E-waste includes all the gadgets we use every day that no longer work or are outdated. This can be anything from broken TVs and old laptops to worn-out chargers and broken headphones. When these items are tossed in the trash, they can create a lot of waste that damages our fragile ecosystem. Why Is e-waste a problem, you may ask yourself. It's a problem because of what leaches out of these electronics goes into our ecosystem. Harmful chemicals: Many electronic devices contain dangerous materials, like lead and mercury. When these items are thrown away, these chemicals can leak into the soil and water. This harms our environment and wildlife. Too much waste: E-waste is one of the fastest-growing types of waste in the world. Each year, millions of tons of e-waste are produced; and only a small amount is recycled properly. Properly is the operative word in this. It is necessary that you discard of your old electronics with a certified disposal agency. Lost resources: Electronics contain valuable materials like gold, silver and copper. When we throw them away, we’re wasting these resources that could be reused to make new products. Now, you're probably asking yourself what you can do to prevent this easily solvable problem from destroying our ecosystem. You can help reduce e-waste by following these simple steps. It's as easy as: Recycling: Instead of throwing old electronics in the trash, find a local recycling program that accepts e-waste. Many cities have special drop-off events for electronics. Donating: If your electronics still work, consider donating them to schools, charities, or friends who can use them. Reducing and reusing: Think carefully before buying new gadgets. Sometimes, repairing an old device can save money and help the environment. Spreading the word: Talk to your family and friends about the importance of e-waste recycling. The more people know, the more we can work together to solve this problem! Oahu will have its own e-waste collection event in October. So, check back with KHON2.com for more details. Meanwhile, you can click here for more information on e-waste collection on Oʻahu. E-waste may seem like a small issue, but it can have a big impact on our planet. Get news on the go with KHON 2GO, KHON's morning podcast, every morning at 8 By being smart about how we handle old electronics, we can help keep our environment clean and safe for everyone. Let’s work together to reduce e-waste and protect our Earth!