How to Dispose of Electronics

Getting rid of electronics, like old TVs, computers and cellphones can seem tricky, but there are actually several options for disposal. Many older electronics are still valuable and can be donated or recycled, and if not, there are plenty of options for throwing them away. Use this guide to learn how to dispose of electronics responsibly.

Electronics Disposal Options

Looking to get rid of a pile of old electronics? If recycling isn’t an option for your items, there are a few convenient ways to dispose of them. Once you’ve prepared your electronics, choose one of these options to get rid of them safely:

1. Rent a Dumpster

If you’re disposing of old electronics as part of a larger home cleanout, renting a dumpster is an economical way to get rid of everything at once. You can toss out old electronics, used furniture and broken knickknacks in one quick cleanup and not have to worry about hauling electronics to an individual collection site.

2. Check With Your Curbside Collection Service

If you have just a few electronics to get rid of, you may be able to place them in your garbage can or on the curb for collection. However, some cities ban electronics from area landfills due to the hazardous materials they contain. Double-check the rules in your location.

3. Find a Local Household Hazardous Waste Facility

If curbside collection isn’t an option in your area and you don’t have enough junk to warrant renting a dumpster, you might be wondering where you can dispose of electronics instead. The best place to drop off your electronics is at your local household hazardous waste facility where they will be safely disassembled for disposal. Some facilities serve individual cities, while others operate at the county level. Contact your city's public works department or search for a household hazardous waste facility near you.

Options for Recycling Your Electronics

Recycling old electronics will help conserve the materials they contain while keeping any hazardous substances out of landfills. 

Consider the following options for recycling electronics:

1. Find a Take-Back or Trade-In Program

If you are planning to upgrade your electronics, contact the manufacturer or retailer to find out if they offer a discount or trade-in option for returning an older model. Amazon offers a mail-in option that offers gift cards in exchange for cellphones, e-readers, tablets and Bluetooth speakers.  

2. Research Retailer Recycling Programs

Some retailers, including Best Buy, host electronics recycling programs. Call ahead to make sure the location near you is accepting your items and plan to drop them off. Call2Recycle also places drop boxes at retail locations that allow you to recycle cellphones and rechargeable batteries by dropping them off.

3. Visit a Local E-Waste Collection Event

Municipalities often host events to help residents get rid of old electronics responsibly. Call your city’s services department to find out if there is an event being hosted near you. Make sure to ask what types of products are accepted and where to drop off your electronics for recycling.  

4. Locate a Local Electronics Recycler

Some recycling facilities specialize in electronics. Use Earth911’s recycling search to find a center near you that accepts used electronics.

5. Sell Your Old Electronics

If your electronics are still valuable, make plans to sell them on your own instead of throwing them away. Sites like Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace and eBay let you list your items for others to bid on, so you can easily get rid of items without sending them to a landfill.

Options for Donating Your Electronics

Electronics in working condition that aren’t significantly outdated can be donated to charity instead of being thrown away. Your electronics can be donated if:

• They are less than five years old. 
• They still function reliably. 
• They do not require major repairs or replacement parts. 

Note that while many charities don’t have the resources to repair damaged devices, some that specialize in electronics may accept items in need of repair.

Consider the following options when looking for ways to dispose of electronics through donations:

1. Give Back to Community Organizations 

Local schools, libraries and adult education and employment programs often accept used computers and related accessories, while local domestic violence and homeless shelters will occasionally look for cellphones, computers and TVs. If you are getting rid of a functional TV, contact local senior centers or assisted living facilities to see if they are in need of them. 
Reach out to your local centers to find out what they need before you drop off any working electronics. 

2. Find a National Organization Collecting Electronics 

Nonprofits around the country collect used electronics to help them further their missions. From cellphones to computers, use the list below to find a facility that will accept your item:

• Computers with Causes: Simply fill out a form on their website to learn how to submit your computers, tablets and related accessories that are less than three years old. Personal information should be deleted prior to donating. 
• Secure the Call: This nonprofit collects out-of-service cellphones that can be used to call 9-1-1 in case of emergency. Any functional cellphone can be submitted to the program via mail once wiped of personal information. 
• Goodwill: In some locations, Goodwill accepts computers, cellphones and various electronic accessories including DVD players and stereos. In most locations, TVs are not accepted. To donate, call your local Goodwill and find out what items they accept. 
• Salvation Army: Call your local facility to find out if they are currently accepting computers, cellphones and TVs. Then, you can arrange drop-off or pickup of your items.  
• Vietnam Veterans of America: Contact Vietnam Veterans of America to donate working televisions, excluding CRT, DLP and tube TVs. They also accept computers, DVD players, stereos and more. They will work with you to schedule pickup of your items.  

Always inquire about your local organization's needs and in what condition they accept items. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Electronics Disposal

Can I mix electronics with other debris in a dumpster rental?

When you rent a dumpster to dispose of old electronics and other household junk, you can simply toss them in the container with your other items. But note that in some areas there may be restrictions on electronics. Call us to learn more about renting a dumpster for household waste.

Are there any fees associated with disposing of electronics?

In some areas, landfills charge a fee to dispose of electronics. This covers the cost of properly handling the hazardous materials they contain. The fee applies whether you’re using a dumpster rental or your curbside collection service. However, in most areas there is no fee to drop off electronics at a household hazardous waste facility. Just be aware that you may need to provide proof of residency in the city or county that facility serves.

Why are there special regulations for electronics disposal?

Many electronic components contain metals, such as lead and mercury, that are harmful to your health. While there’s no danger under normal circumstances, once electronics are compressed in a landfill those substances can be released into the environment. For this reason, many cities require electronics to be disposed of with the same care as other hazardous substances, such as gasoline and motor oil. 

Why are older, bulky TVs hard to get rid of?

TV disposal can be difficult depending on the type of television. While many electronics contain some toxic substances, older CRT TVs can contain 6 pounds or more of lead-filled glass which is hard to recycle and toxic to the environment. When searching for where to get rid of an old TV, make sure you verify that the type of TV you have is accepted. 

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