Getting rid of old electronics

How do other people get rid of old computers and air conditioners? I get periodic notices from the city telling me I can take them to an electronics recycling drop off spot in some far-off corner of the Bronx. Carrying an old desk top on the Number 5 train is not exactly how I want to spend my Saturday morning. I see other people just leave them out for garbage pick-up but when I read about the heavy metals in them, I worry about the environmental impact. Is there something in between?