Molly Ayala
With the ever-evolving world of technology, electronic waste (e-waste) is one of the fastest-growing environmental challenges. It is important to properly dispose of outdated devices and recycle electrical items to reduce the impact on the environment and human health. There are several options available for recycling electrical technology, including dedicated recycling centres, shops, charities, and community drop-off points. In the UK, there are almost 30,000 locations to recycle old electricals, and in the US, Best Buy's Electronics and Appliances Recycling Program is the largest retail collector of e-waste. Additionally, certain states like California and Wisconsin have passed laws to facilitate electronics recycling and reduce landfill waste.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of locations to recycle or donate old electricals in the UK | 30,000 |
| Website to find the closest recycling location in the UK | www.recycleyourelectricals.org.uk |
| Website to find the closest recycling location in North America | www.earth911.com |
| Phone number to find the closest recycling location in North America | 1(800)CLEANUP |
| Top 10 Best Electronic Recycling Centers in New York | Urban Metal Recycling, New York Shredding, Scrap King Metro & Iron Inc, TNT Scrap, Standard Scrap Iron and Metal, AIT Electronics Recycling, All Recycling, Rockaway Recycling, We Recycle Computers, The E-Waste Project |
| Recycling centers in California | www.erecycle.org |
| Connecticut law regarding recycling of electronic devices | Manufacturers must finance a program that provides Connecticut households with a reasonably convenient system of collection and recycling opportunities for certain electronic devices |
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What You'll Learn
Electronics recycling centres
If you're looking for electronics recycling centres near you, there are a few options to consider. Firstly, you can search online for "electronic recycling near me" to find local facilities and ensure they accept the type of electronic waste (e-waste) you want to dispose of. This is a convenient way to identify nearby options.
Additionally, some states have passed laws requiring manufacturers of certain electronic devices to provide collection and recycling opportunities for residents. For instance, California, Connecticut, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, North Carolina, and Wisconsin have such laws in place. So, if you reside in any of these states, you can refer to their respective websites or the MRM website for more information on recycling electronics.
Furthermore, some retailers like Best Buy have electronics recycling programs. Best Buy offers trade-in options where you can recycle specific electronic items and receive e-gift cards in return. They also have partnerships to provide additional collection points.
Lastly, specialised e-waste recycling companies like All Green Electronics Recycling, based in Tustin, California, offer local recycling drop-off locations nationwide. They securely recycle various electronic devices, ensuring the protection of your private information during disposal.
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Retailer take-back schemes
The Retailer Take-back scheme, which has been in place in the UK since January 1, 2021, requires any shop selling electrical items to offer a recycling service for old electrical goods. This means that if you're buying a new electrical item, the retailer will recycle the one you're replacing for free. Some big stores will accept old electronics whether or not you're buying from them, and you can recycle items of a broadly similar type, regardless of brand. For example, if you buy a DVD player, the retailer should accept your old VHS player for recycling.
In the UK, Currys, B&Q, Waitrose, and John Lewis will take back all small electricals without the need to buy something new. You can also hand in your old electrical item to your local electrical retailer within 28 days and show the receipt for its replacement.
In the United States, Best Buy offers electronics and appliance recycling for residents, with a 20% off recycle coupon toward select power cables and chargers when you recycle in-store.
In California, the 2004 California Electronic Waste Recycling Act requires retailers to collect an advanced recovery fee when a consumer purchases a new television or monitor. The state's Thermostat Recycling Act of 2008 also prohibits the disposal of mercury thermostats in landfills.
In Connecticut, a law passed in 2007 requires manufacturers to finance a program that provides households with a reasonably convenient system for collecting and recycling certain electronic devices.
It's important to remember to never throw away old electricals, as they can contain hidden batteries that, if crushed, can cause serious fires in bin lorries and recycling centers.
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Donation and repair drop-off points
There are several options for donating and repairing electrical items, with over 30,000 locations in the UK alone. Electrical items can be recycled at dedicated centres, shops, charities, and community drop-off points.
In the US, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) provides information on how to donate and recycle electronics safely and correctly. The EPA recommends checking with manufacturers and retailers for options to donate or recycle electronics. Some organisations listed on the EPA website include Call2Recycle and Greener Gadgets.
In California, the Thermostat Recycling Act of 2008 prohibits the disposal of mercury thermostats in landfills. The state also passed a law in 2004 requiring retailers to collect an advanced recovery fee when consumers purchase new televisions or monitors.
Connecticut passed a similar law in 2007, requiring manufacturers to finance a program that provides Connecticut households with convenient collection and recycling opportunities for certain electronic devices.
Before donating or recycling any electrical devices, it is important to back up and wipe all personal data from the device. Batteries may need to be recycled separately, and lithium-ion batteries should not be disposed of in household garbage or recycling bins.
Some retailers, such as Best Buy, offer incentives for customers to recycle their electronics, such as a 20% off coupon for power cables and chargers when recycled in-store.
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Residential electronics recycling
The importance of recycling electronics cannot be overstated. With the ever-evolving nature of technology, electronic waste (e-waste) is one of the fastest-growing environmental challenges. Improper disposal of outdated devices can cause significant harm to the environment due to the hazardous materials they contain.
Several organizations and initiatives are dedicated to providing convenient and eco-friendly solutions for residential electronics recycling. One notable example is Best Buy's Electronics and Appliances Recycling Program, which is America's largest retail collector of e-waste. Since its launch in 2009, Best Buy has recycled over 2 billion pounds of electronics and appliances. At most Best Buy stores, residents can recycle up to three items per household per day, including TVs, computer monitors, laptops, and other electronic devices. However, it's important to note that products from businesses and organizations, as well as items posing health or safety hazards, are not accepted.
In addition to Best Buy, there are other local and state-specific residential electronics recycling programs. For instance, CompuCycle in Houston, Texas, offers a free residential drop-off service for a wide range of electronic devices. They are committed to ensuring the secure disposal of unwanted electronics and protecting the environment. Similarly, Lake County in Illinois has year-round residential electronics recycling drop-off locations that are free of charge to residents during posted hours of operation, with no appointments required.
Some states have also implemented laws to address the issue of electronic waste. For example, Wisconsin passed an electronics recycling law in 2009, requiring manufacturers of certain electronic devices to finance collection and recycling opportunities for residents. This law also prohibits the disposal of specific electronics, such as TVs, cell phones, and computers, in landfills and incinerators. Likewise, California's Electronic Waste Recycling Act of 2004 mandates retailers to collect an advanced recovery fee on the purchase of new televisions or monitors, with the funds directed towards financing the recycling of unwanted electronics.
It is important to properly dispose of and recycle outdated or broken electronics to reduce landfill waste, recover valuable materials, and protect the environment. Residents are encouraged to research and utilize the recycling programs and drop-off locations available in their specific areas to contribute to a more sustainable future.
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State-specific recycling laws
The presence of toxic components in electronic devices poses a threat to soil and water when they are dumped in landfills. This is why many countries have laws governing e-waste. Twenty-five U.S. states, along with the District of Columbia, have enacted electronics recycling legislation.
California
California was the first state to implement electronic disposal laws with the Electronic Waste Act of 2003. The state also has a household battery law, which was passed in 2014. Under California AB 2440, producers of covered batteries and battery-containing products sold or offered for sale in California must establish a stewardship program for the collection and recycling of covered batteries. Starting January 1, 2026, consumers will be required to pay a waste recycling fee on all “covered battery-embedded products”.
Arkansas
Arkansas has a recycling law for rechargeable batteries with SSLA/Pb. The state's Lead Acid Battery Management Law prohibits disposing of lead-acid batteries in mixed municipal solid waste. Retailers must accept used batteries and post a notice stating that it is illegal to discard motor vehicle or marine batteries.
Colorado
Colorado has the Battery Stewardship Act of 2025, which requires producers of covered batteries and battery-containing products sold in the state to be members of a Battery Stewardship Organization. The state has also expanded its right-to-repair statute to include most kinds of consumer electronics, which is expected to reduce e-waste.
Vermont
Vermont was the first state to pass a household battery law in 2014.
Oregon
Oregon has a law that restricts parts pairing, the practice of using software that prevents technicians from fully installing spare parts. The state also has the E-Cycles program, which aims to divert electronics from disposal.
Puerto Rico
The "Puerto Rico Electronics Recycling and Disposal Promotion Act" focuses on electronics, especially computers and cellphones. The law obligates the manufacturers of electronics and cellphones to collect and properly dispose of the regulated items, including any batteries contained in those products.
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Frequently asked questions
It depends on where you are located. In the US, you can search for your closest drop-off location on Earth911.com, which maintains one of North America's most extensive recycling databases. You can also try All Green Electronics Recycling, which has over 300 locations in California and serves clients across the nation. Best Buy also offers electronics recycling at its locations across the US. If you are in the UK, there are almost 30,000 drop-off points to recycle your old electricals.
Recycling e-waste helps save energy, reduces landfill waste, decreases pollution, and ensures the security of personal information. Reusing and recycling old electricals is also better for the planet and your pocket, as it means more jobs and saving precious resources.
Items that can be recycled include computers, phones, monitors, laptops, TVs, modems, routers, smart thermostats, power cables, chargers, and more.
Some locations offer incentives for recycling electrical tech. For example, Best Buy offers coupons for a percentage off select items when you recycle certain products in-store.
Yes, batteries can be recycled. However, hidden batteries inside electricals can spark dangerous fires when crushed in bin lorries and recycling centres, so it is important to dispose of them properly at a designated drop-off point.
