Electronics Recycling

ALSO SEE new homes for old stuff for where to donate, buy, or sell used items.

Until July 1, 2010, NYC residents can discard unwanted or broken electronics (computers, monitors, TVs, cell phones) in the trash, but recycling these items keeps potentially hazardous materials out of the waste stream and the environment. See electronics recycling info below for more information on how residents can recycle used electronic equipment.

ELECTRONICS RECYCLING INFO

manufacturer and retailer take-back programs
reuse options
DSNY events
other programs
info for manufacturers: electronics recycling law
2009 digital transition
city agencies and schools
businesses and institutions
cell phones
rechargeable batteries
frequently asked questions

ALSO SEE

• new homes for old stuff for donating, selling, or trading your electronics
• electronics in tips for your home for purchasing, warranties, and upgrades
• electronic equipment for office waste prevention tips
• end-of-life product management in tips for your business
• New York State Wireless Recycling Act about recycling cell phones at local wireless stores.
• NYC Rechargeable Battery Law for how consumers can recycle these items at local retailers.

Manufacturer & Retailer Take-Back Programs

Many electronics manufacturers and retailers have implemented product stewardship programs where they "take-back" electronics (usually via a mail-back program) for recycling. Some charge a fee, some are free, and some will pay for items with value.  Some also offer home pickup and/or coupons for discounts on the purchase of new products. See take it back nyc! for a list of these programs.

Additionally, some retailers will accept electronics for recycling when new purchases are made. When purchasing new electronics, be sure to ask about their trade-in or recycling options.

Computer and Electronic Equipment

• Under NYC's Electronic Equipment Collection, Recycling and Reuse Act (Local Law 13 of 2008), New Yorkers will have the option to return used electronics to the manufacturer for recycling.

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Reuse Options

When upgrading your products, your old equipment may not be broken. You have options to donate, sell, or trade in old electronics. Please note that while your equipment may be reusable, some organizations may still not accept it for reuse because they are looking for equipment of a certain quality. Some manufacturer and retailer take-back programs have a reuse component as well. See the list below for reuse options. 

• New Homes for Old Stuff
• NYC Stuff Exchange  
• Computer Online Reuse and Materials Exchanges

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DSNY Electronic Recycling & Clothing Donation Events

From 2004-2008, the DSNY Bureau of Waste Prevention, Reuse and Recycling offered electronics recycling and clothing donation events to NYC residents twice a year, in coordination with private companies and nonprofit organizations. All future DSNY BWPRR events are cancelled due to budget cuts, however alternative options are available including take-back programs and other collection programs.

Read about previous DSNY electronics recycling events. For questions about DSNY electronics recycling events, go to frequently asked questions about electronics.

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Other Collection Programs

In addition to the Department of Sanitation, other community organizations periodically sponsor electronics recycling events and drop-off sites in NYC. Visit the NYC WasteLe$$ events calendar to find event listings. Organizations include:

• Goodwill Industries
  Drop off your old computer and peripherals (keyboards, mice, printers, etc.) at any Goodwill store or donation site for FREE. Goodwill accepts any brand, in any condition. Equipment will be responsibly recycled, thanks to RECONNECT, a partnership between Dell and Goodwill. Residents are responsible for removing data from hard drives. Visit Goodwill Industries for locations.

• Lower East Side Ecology Center

• Per Scholas
  In addition to events, Per Scholas accepts materials at their Bronx location. Computers, computer peripherals and televisions are accepted. Call first to schedule an appointment, fees may apply.
  1575 Bronx River Avenue
  Bronx, NY 10460
  (718) 772-0651

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2009 Transition to Digital Television

As of June 13, 2009, television stations in the United States no longer broadcast in analog and have switched to 100% digital broadcasting. Most televisions will continue to work without any additional purchase or modification.

Any high definition television, or any analog television that is connected to a pay TV service (Cable or Satellite) will continue to work as before. Analog televisions not connected to a pay TV service will continue to work with a TV converter box. TV converter boxes are available at retailers throughout NYC.

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Electronics Recycling Info for City Agencies and Schools

All City agencies and schools are required to recycle computer equipment, unless it is donated or resold for reuse. DSNY will not accept these items in the trash. To dispose of used computer equipment, City agencies may be able to utilize a citywide computer removal contract established by DCAS/OSA. To take advantage of this contract, City agencies must remove all sensitive data from processing units and submit a relinquishment form. For more information about contract procedures, contact the OSA Director. If issued a Destroy Order by DCAS/OSA then the agency is not eligible to participate in the contract. If so, alternatives include donating equipment, contacting the manufacturer for take-back and asset recovery options, or finding an electronics recycler.
 
To dispose of used computer equipment, principals of City schools need to contact their Integrated Service Center (ISC) and follow relinquishment procedures.

Electronics Recycling Info for Businesses and Institutions

All businesses and institutions (including nonprofits), are required to recycle computer equipment, unless it is donated or resold for reuse. To donate or sell used equipment, see new homes for old stuff. If not donating or selling unwanted electronics equipment for reuse, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation requires all businesses and institutions to dispose of used electronics through dismantlers and recyclers. Contact the manufacturer for take-back and asset recovery options, or see a list of recyclers and vendors to find an electronics recycler.

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Cell Phone Recycling

Cell phones have a wide range of recycling and reuse opportunities within the City.

The Mayor’s Office to Combat Domestic Violence supports the Verizon Wireless Hopeline Program®, which refurbishes and recycles donated cell phones to benefit local survivors of domestic violence. Other opportunities to donate used cell phones can be found at new homes for old stuff. If the phone is still working and valuable, you may be able to sell it or trade it in. See take it back nyc! for a list of online trade-in programs, or visit the NYC Stuff Exchange for a list of materials exchanges where you can buy or sell used items such as cell phones.

In addition to these donation programs, cell phones can be recycled. According to the New York State Wireless Recycling Act, all wireless telephone service providers that sell cell phones in the State of New York must accept them for reuse or recycling from any resident at no cost.

Residents may return cell phones at no cost to any wireless telephone service provider that sells them. Visit take it back nyc! to find information on retailer and wireless provider recycling programs.

City agencies can utilize the Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation's rechargeable battery and cell phone collection program. More info on RBRC's program can be found at rechargeable battery and cell phone recycling: info for agencies.

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Rechargeable Batteries

Rechargeable batteries (found in cell phones, tools, toys, laptop computers, etc.) must be recycled. It is illegal for New York City residents, City agencies, and/or businesses to discard rechargeable batteries in the trash or in residential recycling containers.

• Residents may return up to ten rechargeable batteries to any NYC store that sells the same shape and size rechargeable battery or products that contain rechargeable batteries (with the exception of small food stores).
• City agencies should see rechargeable battery and cell phone recycling: info for agencies for information on how they can properly discard rechargeable batteries.
• Businesses can make arrangements with the Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation (RBRC) to set up a program to collect used rechargeable batteries.

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