You hear a lot of talk about recycling these days, but until now, Americans haven’t heard much about the recycling of electronic gadgets. Target is testing a new electronics recycling program, under the name “pre-owned electronics.”

The Reuters wire service is reporting that Target.com has initiated a new program whereby the company will be selling various electronic “gadgets” on its web site that have been returned to Target retail stores.

Thus far, Target is only reselling a small variety of electronic gadgets under the so-called “electronics recycling” program. Game systems such as the Nintendo Game Cube are currently among the most popular of the recycled items, along with a variety of high-definition televisions by Toshiba and other manufacturers.

Other popular recycled electronic items included iPods and iPod Nanos, JVC video cameras, and other digital still and video cameras. Target claims that each of its recycled items has been thoroughly inspected and refurbished by an approved third-party company. Additionally, each recycled electronic item will carry the same 90 day guarantee that comes with all electronics sold at Target stores.

While the idea of selling refurbished items is certainly not new, major retail chains have avoided reselling electronics gadgets and other high-end items at their stores or on their web sites. Target’s new program is seen as a way of testing the waters, and will surely be watched closely by other “big box” retail outlets such as Best Buy, Wal Mart and Costco.

Consumers are likely to respond favorably to Target’s electronics recycling program, as it is often possible to pick up items at drastically reduced prices. For example, Target is currently selling a “recycled” 80 GB iPod video for only $200. Compare that to the normal Target retail price of a new unit at $319, and it’s easy to see how consumers could come out in favor of the new recycling program.

While Target is the first company to establish such a program in its electronics department, there are rumors that other major department chains are considering jumping on the bandwagon. If Target’s program proves a hit with customers, you can just about guarantee that their competition will follow suit with “recycling” programs of their own.

Critics have complained that calling the sale of what are essentially used goods “recycling,” is in fact very misleading. Some industry analysts see this as an attempt by Target to appear more “green” and eco friendly, without actually doing anything worthwhile for the environment. After all, broken or damaged electronics gadgets are already “recycled” by many companies, and the parts taken from these defective units are sometimes used in new products.

But whether Target’s new recycling program is misleading or not, it’s bound to find favor with budget-strapped consumers this holiday season.

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