If there's no place that takes it in free for recycling, maybe offer it locally? Freecycle (can't say I've used them) or the free section of Craigslist, and I'm sure there must be other venues.
I occasionally pick up old hardware to tinker with (then when I'm done, complain about how I don't have room, LOL).
A buddy of mine also tends to pick up old stuff, clean it out,and then play around with it, at least if he doesn't already have that particular platform.
I'm sure he and I are are FAR from being the only crazy people who do this.