I've never put much thought into what happens to my old gadgets when I recycle them - having said that, most of them are probably in a drawer somewhere in case the newer models aren't up to scratch.

But according to Fast Company a large amount of our e-waste is in fact sent to a number of developing countries around the world. Once there, workers are required to take the devices apart by hand, which exposes them to a range of harmful toxins.

A new UN program called Solving the E-Waste Problem (StEP) will track the disposal of our old electronics as they're transferred around the globe and then help the developing countries deal with them. Big brands such as Dell and Nokia have already agreed to help with the initiative and not only will they be aiding the developing countries but sourcing recycled raw materials that can be used in new products.

Via Fast Company. Image via YoungThousand's Flickr.