If you’ve been good enough this year for Santa to leave you some new electronic gadgets under the tree, make sure you’re on next year’s “nice” list by not throwing your old electronics in the trash.

We currently use more electronics than ever before, and it’s only natural that we’ll upgrade and replace them after a while. What most people don’t realize is that these gadgets are made with toxic materials that can be harmful if they’re not properly disposed. If they end up in a landfill, toxins can leach into the soil and groundwater, which creates a serious pollution problem.

So when you unwrap that new iPad or GPS or digital camera this holiday season, what to do with the thing your new toy is replacing? You have lots of options: 

• Check with the company that manufactured the device you’re getting rid of. If it’s not too old, they may take it back to refurbish and resell.

• Search Earth 911 for recycling centers in your area that will take home electronics. Round up as many of your family’s old electronics as you can so you can donate them all in one trip.

•  You can recycle or even sell your old electronics through EcoSquid. This is also a great place to buy a post-holiday gift for yourself, if you didn’t get that one thing you were really hoping for.

• Greener Gadgets is another place to recycle your old electronics and get great information on how to make green choices when purchasing new toys.

• E-Cycling Central helps you find centers to help you reuse, recycle, or donate your old electronics.

• Finally, don’t forget about the batteries. Rechargeable batteries are the green way to go, but they do wear out eventually. Don’t ever throw batteries into the trash — in fact, it’s now against the law in New York to do so. Call 2 Recycle has information on places that will take them.

Wishing you a happy and green holiday season!