Where do I recycle used electronics in my community?

To find reuse and recycling opportunities in your area, consult the following links. If you do not find any collection events listed for your area, please contact your local government's recycling and/or household hazardous waste program.

The Electronics Industries Alliance (EIA) Consumer Education Initiative  is a Web-based resource that provides consumers with information on reuse and recycling opportunities for used electronics. These opportunities include state and local collection programs, charitable organizations, and recyclers that accept used electronics. The information can be sorted by state and county, and also includes a section on national programs. EIA is a national trade organization representing more than 80 percent of the electronics industry.

Earth 911  is non-profit organization that maintains a Web site with community-specific information on reuse and recycling opportunities. These opportunities include state and local collection programs, charitable organizations, and recyclers that accept used electronics. The Web site is sorted by ZIP code and includes resources with information about electronics recycling and the environment.

TechSoup  offers information on reuse and recycling electronics for the general public, including tips for donating computers, frequently asked questions about computer reuse and recycling, and lists of recyclers and refurbishers.

eBay's Rethink Initiative  offers a fresh perspective on the challenge of e-waste, with information, tools and solutions that make it easy to sell, donate, or recycle used computers and electronics.

Computers for Schools  works to place refurbished computers into our nation's schools and educational institutions.

Cellular Telecommunications & Internet Association  and its member organizations educate the public on the options available for properly recycling used wireless devices and the efforts made within the industry to improve the recyclability of products. The program promotes the collection of used wireless devices and lists members that collect devices for recycling.

Call2Recycle is a program of the Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation (RBRC) promoting environmental sustainability by providing free battery and cell phone recycling in North America. Call2Recycle can help you recycle your portable rechargeable batteries. These batteries are commonly found in cordless power tools, cellular and cordless phones, laptop computers, camcorders, digital cameras, and remote control toys. 

For more information, visit EPA's web sites:
Plug-In to eCycling and eCycling

EPA encourages use of electronics recyclers certified to standards that require safe handling of used electronics and adherence to high environmental standards. Currently two accredited certification standards exist: the Responsible Recycling Practices (R2) and the e-Stewards® standards. Visit the eCycling Certification page for more information. To attain a list of R2 and e-Stewards certified recyclers, contact R2 Solutions and e-Stewards respectively.