How to recycle/dispose of computers and related electronics

Curbside collection: No
County facilities accepting computers and related electronics:
 Electronics Recycling drop-off events
 Shady Grove Processing Facility & Transfer Station

• eCycling information from the US EPA

Where is the electronics recycling collection located?

Solid Waste Transfer Station

Solid Waste Transfer Station hours, location, and map

Please use the Route 355 entrance (Car Entrance) to the Transfer Station and follow the signs to the area for recyclable items. There are separate boxes for computers and computer-related items; for televisions; and for all other acceptable recyclable electronics.

What is accepted?

Our program for electronics is open to all Montgomery County residents and businesses.

Accepted items include:

• Computer monitors (CRTs and flat panel)
• Televisions (CRTs and flat screen)
• Desktop computers
• Laptop computers
• Keyboards/Mice
• CDs
• Floppy disks
• Hard drives
• Toner and ink cartridges
• Printers
• Scanners
• Fax machines
• Copy machines
• VCRs
• Stereos
• Radios
• Mainframes
• Tape players
• CD players
• Telephones
• Cell phones
• Gaming consoles
• Power and network cables
• Network hubs
• Switching boxes
• Controllers
• Modems
• Docking stations
• Printed circuit boards
• Microwave ovens
• Small household appliances
• dispose accessories and other non-electronic parts as trash
• Servers
• Terminals
• Larger rechargeable battery units
• UPS (personal & network)
• tool batteries
• dispose alkaline batteries as trash
• dispose button and small rechargeable batteries as hazardous waste
• Peripherals

All collected items are recycled.

Sorry, we do not accept videotapes in our electronics recycling program. (Audiotapes, videotapes, and other media are occasionally accepted for reuse as art materials by SCRAP-DC.)

How many items may I bring?

You may bring up to 15 items per day. This limit refers to the larger items from our accepted list such as computers, televisions and monitors. Mice, keyboards and other small ancillary items are not included in the limit.

If you have more than 15 items, we recommend that you bring your material in several trips or contact a local electronics recycling facility and deliver the items directly to them

May I deliver electronic items with a truck?

Yes, you may use a truck you own, borrow, or rent to deliver electronic items to us. Please honor our quantity limits.

What about large appliances?

Bring large appliances to the scrap metal recycling area at the Solid Waste Transfer Station, or request a curbside scrap metal collection for them

Examples include refrigerators, air conditioners, dishwashers, ovens and dehumidifiers.

What you do with the electronic items you receive?

Our electronics vendor resells some reparable or working computers. Other electronic items may be used for parts. Televisions and unusable electronic items are dismantled to recover as much raw material as possible.

Where may I donate working computers and other electronic items?

To donate working computers and other electronic equipment, check our Use It Again database for local donation suggestions. (Select "Computers/Office Equipment" and "Donate/Recycle it" for your search.)

I can't bring my electronics to the Transfer Station or Community Drop-off Events. What other eCycling options do I have?

• Recycling options specifically for cell phones and/or other mobile devices

In addition to the drop-off center at the Transfer Station and the County's community drop-off recycling events, programs from the following links may also help you find reuse or recycling opportunities for your electronic items. A variety of organizations offer trade-in, take back or drop-off programs; some of them provide this service at no cost for to you, others charge you a fee, and still others may offer credit towards the purchase of new equipment.

• Earth911 recycling location lookup tool for electronics
• Electronics Take Back and Recycling Programs - list maintained by the Maryland Department of the Environment
• Nationwide donation or recycling options for old computers and other electronic products - list maintained by the US EPA

Community-based options

• Craigslist
• The Freecycle Network

Programs offered by non-profits

• Check local nonprofit donation options in our Use It Again Guide.

"How to recycle/dispose of..." Index

This information last updated 4/22/2013.