What happens with old computer parts?

I have been thinking about how all these computer parts are being handled by companies and consumers. When working graphic cards, sound cards etc. get's old by the technology itself, but they are still working, what do you as consumer do about this?

Well, I try to save some stuff that I might have use for in the future. Like fans that still are o.k. Some cables. hdd's cd drive(s). I have an old Radeon X1800GTO as reserve and trouble shooting card for ex.

From an CoolerMaster Centurion case, an older Antec 485 W psu, my old AMD socket 939 rig parts. A Raptor 74 gig SATA and my previous 8800GTX, I have buildt a rig for my bedroom.

The rest of the stuff goes to recycling if there are any.

I always save stuff keep it in a box; if its broken, it must be PROPERLY RECYCLED! no garbage cans, if its worth something and Im broke, I will sell it on eBay, otherwise I always end up using parts that have been dormant in a box for a few years for one reason or another.