Question

old electronics should not be thrown in the trash because they a could wash into nearby streams and rivers. b can be shipped to other countries and sold for money. c contain harmful materials such as lead and mercury. d are made of recyclable materials like paper.

Explanation:

• Option A: Electronics are not typically washed into streams/rivers from trash in the same way as, say, litter; this is not the main reason for not trashing them.
• Option B: Selling old electronics abroad is not the primary reason for proper disposal (it's about environmental/health hazards, not resale).
• Option C: Old electronics (e-waste) contain hazardous materials like lead, mercury, etc., which can leach into the environment if trashed, harming ecosystems and health. This is the correct reason.
• Option D: Electronics are not made of paper (they have metals, plastics, etc.), so this is incorrect.

Answer:

C. contain harmful materials such as lead and mercury