High-tech gifts are hot items on many wish lists this holiday season. From kids to grandparents, and everyone in between, the latest cell phones, digital cameras and MP3 players are among the favorites to give and receive. But once you have the latest new tech toys, what happens to the old gear?

Many retailers and manufacturers now have programs for recycling old electronics, from televisions and printers to digital cameras and cell phones. And, starting Jan. 1, a new law kicks in that will allow Washington residents to dispose of some of their old electronics for free.

In the past, TVs and other electronics that were accepted by waste disposal facilities and others for a fee simply traveled to the landfill. The new program, which was mandated by the 2006 Legislature will instead make sure the electronics are taken apart so that parts that can be reused are, and parts that are toxic don’t make it to the landfill.

The electronics that are eligible for this program are televisions, monitors, computers and laptops. To find out details and a list of locations, visit www.ecyclewashington.org.

Small businesses , small governments , school and other special purpose districts, non-profits as well as households can use the drop-off sites. The program is overseen by the newly created Washington Materials Management & Financing Authority, which expects more than 20 million pounds of electronic waste to be collected statewide during the first year.

For other unwanted electronics, like printers, old cell phones etc., several retailers offer their own programs. Costco, for example, has a free program for its members for certain types of electronics like computers and printers — they provide free shipping and you just need to find the right box for packing. Office Depot, on the other hand, provides boxes of three sizes that you can fill with as many of the allowed electronics as possible, and they will take care of the rest.

Old cell phones can be donated to a good cause. Various local businesses, including in Town Square Center in Port Orchard, serve as collection sites for phones for Cell Phones for Soldiers. The program sells the phones to ReCellular and spends the money to buy calling cards for soldiers overseas. A few nationwide charitable organizations have similar programs that put old cell phones to good use.

Rechargeable batteries from digital cameras, laptops and even mp3 players can be disposed of through Call2Recycle. The nationwide program, operated by a nonprofit organization, collects batteries at many local retailers like Best Buy, Circuit City, The Home Depot, Lowe’s, RadioShack and Target.