As fast as the newest technological advances hit the marketplace, a beat-up cell phone, obsolete PC or low-tech printer is edged out of use, badly needing a destination for safe disposal.

On Saturday, Save the Bay in Providence will be that place.

From 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. volunteers from AmeriCorps and electronic waste recycler Office Recycling Solutions will be available at the nonprofit environmental organization to collect old computers, printers, monitors, cell phones, fax machines, car stereos, radios, telephones, cables and wires. There is no charge.

Televisions will be accepted as well, but for a fee ranging from $5 to $22 to cover the cost of handling the cathode ray tube.

Electronic waste, or e-waste, contains harmful substances such as mercury, lead and brominated flame retardants that can be harmful to the environment and human health if not properly recycled.

Characterized as the country’s fastest-growing waste stream, e-waste accounts for more than 2 million tons of waste in landfills every year, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Instead of throwing old equipment and gadgets in the trash or on the curb (where haulers are told to refuse collection), people are supposed to take unused electronics to an e-waste recycler or, if the equipment still works, donate it to a community organization.

“People always have computers, but they don’t know what to do with them,” said Kate Douton, AmeriCorps director of the Ocean State Environmental Education Collaborative. “Bring attention to AmeriCorps programs and provide a community service for residents.”

The collection is open to area residents in and out of state.

Turning over old electronics to a recycler helps Rhode Island cities and towns save money on trash collection fees.

“Each community pays by the pound for dumping trash at the state Central Landfill in Johnston,” said Brent Mancuso, general manager of the East Greenwich-based Office Recycling Solutions. “Recycling, on the other hand, is free.”

Recycling electronics also increases the reuse of metals, plastics and glass.

Coffee and doughnuts from Tim Hortons will be provided at the collection, which will be held rain or shine.

Save the Bay’s Providence headquarters is located at 100 Save the Bay Drive. For directions, visit www.savebay.org.

ngarcia@projo.com