New electronic gadgets bring to mind words such as hi-def, apps and smart. Old ones conjure up words like chemicals, metals, toxic and hazardous. And we have a lot of the old ones. The state’s Department of Environmental Protection reports that “Unwanted consumer electronics are the fastest-growing category of waste in Massachusetts. Until recently, Bay Staters were discarding an average of more than 900,000 units annually, but that number has increased due to the federally-mandated transition to digital television broadcasting.”

The state is quick to note that you can extend the useful life of your analog television by purchasing a digital converter box. Any still-useful electronic items can be donated to others.

But those that do not work should be recycled to prevent lead, mercury and other toxins they contain from posing health and environmental risks after disposal.

Which brings us to Electronics Disposal Day. On Saturday, Oct. 1, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Islanders can deposit old electronics for safe, proper disposal. There is a fee for disposal of each appliance (they also will take old toasters, refrigerators and other household appliances) and a part of that fee will be shared by the recyclers with Martha’s Vineyard Community Services. Drop off will be at community services, on the Edgartown-Vineyard Haven Road across from the high school.