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I would also point out that people who share accounts are also doing the environment a huge favor. I share an account with my Mom and MIL. We live in three different parts of the country. If we were reading paper books and I wanted to read a book they were I would have to check it out of the library (something I was crap at doing) or purchase it (the more likely outcome). Sharing an e-reader account means that we can share the book, which saves us money and the purchase of two paper books.
My mother has had 2 Kindle DX's, she lost the first one. In the four years she has had it she has read many a book on it. We have shared many a book. So life is good and the planet is happy.
In the US, there are stores that collect electronics and batteries for recycling.
I have not heard much about what goes into recycling paper and the like but there are resources involved in that process.
As I understand it. the problem with recycling electronics is in the adhesives that are used to attach the precious metals can be toxic. Some companies do their best to find the least problematic methods for building their products but that does increase the price. Apple apparently has a good track record with this.
Like all things, responsible constuction or production costs more. So if it is something you are interested in, you need to do your research and pay a higher cost for the product.
I have not looked into Amazon's production process for the Kindle or if they use recycled goods and the least dangerous practices. But my Kindles are happily in the hands of others after I move on, one is in Afghanistan, one is with my Mother, and the third is with my Mother In Law. They are seeing a lot of use and will hopefully be used to read enough books that they will have been enviromentally friendly.
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