As more homes and businesses make the switch to solar energy, it's important to ensure that solar panels are disposed of responsibly when they reach the end of their useful life. We're excited to announce that solar panel recycling is now available countywide in Santa Barbara County!

MarBorg has expanded its solar panel recycling program, making it easier than ever for residents, businesses, contractors, and organizations throughout the county to recycle unwanted solar panels safely and responsibly.

Where Can I Recycle Solar Panels?

Solar panels are now accepted at two MarBorg locations:

• Santa Maria Recycling Center
  • 1850 W. Betteravia Rd., Santa Maria
  • Appointment required
• Goleta Recycling Center
  • 20 David Love Place, Goleta
  • Drop off during regular business hours (Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m., plus select Saturdays from 8:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.)

Appointment Information

To schedule a drop-off appointment, call (805) 963-1852 ext. 1 or email customerservice@marborg.com.

Appointments for the Santa Maria location are available Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Program Details

• Cost: $40 per solar panel
• Who can participate? Anyone! The program is open to both residential and commercial customers, and you do not need to be a MarBorg customer.
• Quantity: There is currently no limit on the number of panels you can recycle—just let staff know how many you'll be bringing when scheduling your appointment.

What Happens to the Panels?

Solar panels contain valuable recyclable materials, but they also contain components that require specialized handling. Collected panels are transported to a certified electronic waste recycler in Ontario, California, where they are dismantled and processed in accordance with California and federal recycling regulations. Materials that can be recovered are then sent on for recycling.

Accepted Materials

Most solar panels are accepted.

Please note: The only panels that cannot be accepted are First Solar Cadmium Telluride (CdTe) panels.

Why Recycle Solar Panels?

As solar technology continues to grow across Santa Barbara County, responsible end-of-life management is becoming increasingly important. Recycling solar panels helps recover valuable materials, prevents hazardous components from entering landfills, and supports a more sustainable, circular economy.

If you have old or damaged solar panels ready for disposal, take advantage of this new recycling opportunity and help keep valuable materials in use while protecting our environment.

More Information

For more information, please feel free to call us at (805) 882-3602 or send us an e-mail at pwRRWMHazWaste@countyofsb.org.