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Pallets full of electronic equipment picked up Saturday at ShredFest should give us an idea of what people need in today’s world of gadgets, computers and video displays.

The event, in the parking lot at Ace Hardware, was a tremendous success with a steady line of people from 9 a.m. to noon. It was an opportunity to dispose of documents you wanted shredded for security reasons and electronic equipment that had outlived its usefulness.

We are now a full generation into the digital age, converting tape, paper and other former staples into Xs and Os that give us music, television and more.

With these wonders of faster, smaller and smarter electronics comes the responsibility of figuring out the most environmentally-friendly way to dispose of these items.

We’re much better than we used to be. When the computer revolution first started, little thought was put into the manufacturing of this equipment and dangerous materials were being tossed into our landfills or otherwise cast aside for newer and more powerful versions.

Today, the process of recycling starts with the manufacturers, who are being pushed to use materials that are either reused or do not create as big of a hazard to our resources and the environment.

We have also figured out how to make better use of what we have. For an example, consider the local Elks club, which refurbishes donated computers and distributes them to kids who might not have the economic opportunity of owning a computer themselves.

Saturday offers more evidence that people are getting the message that it’s better for everyone when we dispose of electronic equipment in a sensible manner.

And if you just can’t wait until the next ShredFest, there are other outlets for your no-longer-useful TVs, DVD players, computers and other gadgetry. Goodwill has a service and so does Best Buy, according a cursory review using Google.

The good news is that it’s now the new “normal,” to consider recycling first and that’s a habit and lifestyle that is good for us all.