(09/08/06) PARSIPANNY ? When it comes to throwing out computers and cell phones, experts say one person?s trash could be an identity thief?s treasure.

According to computer experts, crooks can search through a person?s discarded hard drive or cell phone for important personal information. They say it?s not only important to dispose of those items in an environmentally safe matter, but it is also necessary to make them useless to identity thieves. Experts urge all residents to properly wipe computer hard drives clean and reset cell phones before carting them out to the trash.

Residents can find information on computer cleaning utilities by visiting Download.com. If all else fails, representatives of the Morris County Recycling Program say residents can safely remove their batteries and take a hammer to the electronic device.

Related information: Acceptable Recycle Materials: (973) 631-5109 Recycling 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, September 9th 500 West Hanover Avenue, Parsipanny Computer Removal Information: Download.com