Übergeek 바둑이: I only chuck stuff away that no longer has function, I only update as necessary. The PC is by nature of some computer boffins research expected to double in capability about the two year mark... but most can be updated, (even better if you have a good 2nd hand computer store nearby with loads of bits from deconstructions) so they can last a long time.

It all boils down to whether you take care of your gadgets or not. Yes, as a matter of fact some gadgets will no longer have function, as in eg.. not the capacity to run new programs due to speed specifications. But there will always be bits that can be salvaged and reused or sold on.

Bricks and mortar are still preferred here... traditional. The only new scheme is to use breeze blocks as the inner wall (or concrete in flats) to save time and give better strength. Yet.... still there is daft schemes advertising "house guaranteed for 10 years".

Here in the UK now we have street level recycling due to a two bin and glass collection system as part of the bin run. Compost heaps are an old favourite as well The gutter water barrel is more and more used.

But the country is still a work in progress!!