Includes bibliographical references (p. 307-322) and index.

Underside of high tech -- Raw materials : where bits, bytes, and the earth's crust coincide -- Producing high tech : the environmental impact -- High-tech manufacture and human health -- Flame retardants : a tale of toxics -- When high tech electronics become trash -- Not in our backyard : exporting electronic waste -- The politics of recycling -- A land ethic for the digital age -- Appendix. How to recycle a computer, cell phone, TV, or other digital devices.