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

We accept small consumer electronics for recycling at the 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.

Community Drop-off Events

Dates and locations of our community drop-off events

What is accepted?

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

Accepted items include:

• small electronic appliances
• calculators
• camcorders
• CDs and floppy disks
• CD players
• cell phones
• computers and computer-related products
• consumer electronics
• copiers
• cords and cables (including chargers)
• digital cameras
• electronic typewriters
• fax machines
• microwave ovens
• monitors
• personal digital assistant equipment
• printers
• projection equipment
• scanners
• telephones
• small electronic toys
• televisions
• VCRs

All collected items are recycled.

Sorry, we do not accept videotapes in our electronics recycling program.

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 computer or electronic items to drop off,  please call us at 240-777-6560 for assistance.

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.

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 County's community drop-off recycling events, the following computer and electronics recycling programs are also available in Montgomery County. Some businesses offer trade-in, take back or drop-off programs; some of them have no cost for the user, sometimes the user has to pay a small fee, or sometimes the user can get credit for new equipment.

Montgomery County does not endorse any of the following listings. Please be aware that program details may change.

• Earth911 recycling location lookup tool for electronics
• Electronics Take Back and Recycling Programs list maintained by the Maryland Department of the Environment

Community-based options

• Craigslist
• The Freecycle Network

Programs offered by non-profits

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

• National Cristina Foundation
• Reconnect - a Dell/Goodwill alliance

Programs offered by retailers/for-profits

• A Better Way Recycling
• Apple
• BestBuy
• Dell
• Gateway Trade-In & Recycle Program
• HP Eco Solutions
• IBM Asset Recovery Solutions
• Office Depot Tech Recycling Service
• Sony Take Back Recycling Program
• Staples
• Toshiba
• United States Postal Service

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

This information last updated 4/5/2010.