Electronics Recycling
Why Recycle Electronics
The use of electronics has continued to grow over the past two decades. In 2009, discarded TVs, computers, peripherals, (including printers, scanners, fax machines) mice, keyboards, and cell phones total 2.3 million short tons of waste in the United States. Many electronics containers precious metals that can be salvaged as well as also containing toxic materials that should be disposed of in an environmentally friendly manner.
On average, SCSWA recycles an estimated 141 tons of electronic waste for residents.
Three Important Reasons to Recycle Your Electronic Waste Include
- Decreases the number of toxins (such as lead, mercury, and cadmium) that enter the environment.
- Allows for the recovery of natural resources such as gold, copper, and nickel.
- Electronic waste is one of the growing municipal materials in the waste stream, and only 12.5% of it is recycled.
The Electronics Recycling Program Has Changed
Effective November 2, 2016, Cathode Ray Tubes (CRTs) and Televisions (LCD, flat screen, projection, etc.) are no longer accepted for free electronics recycling. CRTs and TVS WILL incur a minimum fee of $5 and is limited to no more than three CRT/TVs per household, per day. Residents that bring CRTs and/or TVs to County Collection/Convenience Centers will have their trash coupon punched once for up to three CRT/TVs per day. Read more about the recent change to the electronics recycling program.
Commonly Accepted Items
- Cell phones and chargers
- Computer cables
- Computers and laptops
- Copiers
- DVD and VCR players
- Fax Machines
- Flash and hard drives
- Keyboards and Mice
- Printers (No toner or print cartridges)
- Radios
- Rechargeable Batteries
- Routers
- Telephones
- Wires
Items are recycled, refurbished, or disposed of in an environmentally safe manner. We do not accept business-generated items.
Additional Electronics Recycling Options
Many retailers and manufacturers offer e-cycling programs. For a list of participants, visit the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, or research by zip code at Earth 911. For more information on household hazardous visit the Household Hazardous Waste page.