In Portland we have a place called
FreeGeek that is particular about keeping everything local so the recycled electronics do really get recycled or disposed of properly, and not in 3rd world countries.
They also will wipe or destroy hard drives for you. And I'd trust them. But I can't vouch for the legitimacy of other places. The reason I'd trust FreeGeek is because I've put in many Saturdays as a volunteer there and got to know them from the inside.
They have a store where old but useable electronics can find a second life. I've picked up some really cheap but still very good stuff there.
The place does smell like pee, but that's my only gripe.