If you got a new computer for Christmas, state officials are urging you to recycle the old one rather than toss it in the garbage. Merry Rankin, an environmental specialist at the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, says there are all sorts of options, such as donating it to Goodwill. While you may not think much of your old computer, Rankin says someone else might be thrilled with it.It is now illegal in California to throw a computer monitor or a television into the garbage, as the C-R-Ts are considered toxic waste.Another benefit of recycling rather than tossing your old computer: you might get a last-minute tax write-off for donating your computer to a non-profit agency.