Existing E-waste Recycling Opportunities in California
Computer Monitors, TVs and Select other E-waste Thanks to the enactment of the SB 20 (Sher) E-waste Recycling Law for Computer Monitors and Televisions, there are now more than 400 locations statewide providing consumers with free and convenient recycling opportunities for covered electronic devices. Many of these recyclers may also accept other e-waste (though there is likely to be a charge). You can search for your nearest e-waste recycler at the California Integrated Waste Management Board's web site, Approved Collectors and Recyclers of Covered Electronic Wastes. Some of these places even offer free daily drop offs, in addition to free drop off events on the weekends. If you have a device other than a computer monitor or TV, and are unsure whether these collectors will accept it, check out the Electronic Product Management Directory.
Batteries Thanks to AB 1125 (Pavley) Rechargeable Battery Takeback and Recycling, on July 1, 2006, consumers now have the opportunity to drop off their used rechargeable batteries for recycling at no charge at most any retailer that sells rechargeable batteries. You can find a place to recycle your rechargeable batteries by searching the Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation's website as well: Rechargeable Battery Recycling Locator.
Cell Phones Thanks to AB 2901 (Pavley) Cell Phone Takeback and Recycling, as of July 1, 2006, any retailer that sells cell phones must also collect end-of-life cell phones at no charge to consumers. Additionally, several non-profit organizations provide cell phone recycling opportunities, including: Keep California Beautiful and Collective Good, where consumers can recycle and donate cell phones. Collective Good also gives the option of selecting the charity you would like to see benefit from your phone donation.
Local Household Hazardous Waste Facilities State law requires that most every community provide some level of opportunity for household hazardous waste collection. Generally, these are city or county run programs or facilities that offer regular or periodic opportunities for the drop off of HHWs, including hazardous electronics. Unfortunately, these programs are universally under-funded, and are therefore not always available. To find out what's available in your community, look in your local phonebook under Hazardous or Solid Waste. You may also find it by calling 1-800-Cleanup or going to www.earth911.org
Californians Against Waste For more information on E-waste and other solid waste and recycling issues, search this website. If you still have questions, feel free to contact us at (916) 443-5422.
