Frequently Asked Questions About Electronics Recycling
With so many electronic gadgets out there, it can be confusing to know what to do with them when they no longer work (or are no longer wanted). Read below for the answers to our most frequently asked questions about electronics.
What qualifies as electronic waste?
Electronic waste, sometimes called "e-waste", includes all devices that require electricity to operate and that are no longer functional or needed. If it plugs in, charges up, or takes batteries, it's considered e-waste when it breaks.
Where/How Questions:
-
Where can I bring my old electronics to be recycled?
Our county has a number of free drop-off sites for all types of common household electronics. Visit our Electronics page and find your particular item(s) in the list of categories at the top of the page. Once you click on the product page, you'll find a list of collection centers in the "Where to Go" section at the bottom of the page.
-
How often are collection events held?
The County holds collection events for electronics and other types of household hazardous waste twice a year in the Santa Ynez Valley and annually in Cuyama. Additionally, the City of Santa Barbara holds collection events twice a year, usually in the Sears parking lot off La Cumbre Road.
-
How can I recycle my electronics if I can't drive to a collection site or event?
If you have trash and recycling service at your home, you can call your hauler to schedule up to two free "bulky item" pick-ups per year. Bulky items include couches, mattresses, appliances, computers, and other electronics. After the material is picked up, the haulers sort through it to recover anything that can be reused or recycled.
Why Questions:
-
Why is it so important to recycle old electronics?
Electronic devices contain heavy metals that can be toxic to humans and wildlife if disposed of improperly. Of particular concern is the metal lead. Some TVs and monitors can contain as much as eight pounds of lead each. Lead is very harmful to many of the body's tissues and organs, including the heart, kidneys, intestines, and bones. It can also impede vital reproductive and nervous system functions.
What Questions:
-
What happens to my electronics after I drop them off at a collection center?
Electronics dropped off at the County's transfer stations or during one of our collection events are picked up and taken to our recycler's facility in Fresno. We've been working with our current recycler, ERI, for over a decade. ERI dismantles all electronics onsite utilizing both people power and powerful shredders. Having achieved certifications with both e-Stewards and R2, ERI is one of the most, if not the most, reputable company in the field. No devices are shipped overseas for processing.
-
What are some of the most commonly recycled electronics?
We most often receive TVs, computers, computer accessories (e.g. printers, keyboards, mice, etc.), stereos, DVD players, phones, microwaves, fax machines, scanners, paper shredders, toaster ovens, vacuums, and other household appliances.
Have Other Questions?
If you can't find the information you're looking for here or on one of our many other LessIsMore pages, please contact us. We're happy to help!
Where to go
-
Santa Maria Valley (1)
- City of Santa Maria Household Hazardous Waste Facility — 2065 East Main Street
Related Materials
Related Articles
-
April 7th Hazardous Waste Collection Event
March 03, 2019 by Leslie Robinson - Hazardous Waste Recycling/Disposal -
Keep Your Waste in Check This Holiday Season
December 21, 2018 by Leslie Robinson - Reduce & Reuse -
“Less Is More” Guide Hot Off the Press
January 18, 2023 by Kaitlyn Haberlin - Recycle, Reduce & Reuse -
America Recycles Day November 15th
November 08, 2019 by Leslie Robinson - Recycle -
Free, Year-Round E-Waste Recycling
February 04, 2020 by Leslie Robinson - Electronics -
RRWM’s Annual Waste Management Report Now Available
October 05, 2017 by Alan Nakashima - Recycle -
County Awarded for Excellence in Solid Waste Management
August 15, 2017 by Tom Chiarodit - Recycle -
2019/2020 Resource Recovery Waste Management Annual Report Now Available!
January 11, 2021 by Tori Kampmann -
Free Electronics Recycling in Santa Barbara County!
February 02, 2021 by Kaitlyn Haberlin - Electronics -
New Year, New Protocol!
February 02, 2022 by Tori Kampmann -
Be Aware of Proper Battery Disposal this Holiday Season
December 12, 2022 by Kaitlyn Haberlin - Hazardous Waste Recycling/Disposal -
Reduce Your Waste this Holiday Season!
December 01, 2023 by Kaitlyn Haberlin - Reduce & Reuse -
Sustainable Purchasing Guide from the RRWM
December 09, 2023 by Kaitlyn Haberlin - Reduce & Reuse -
Community Hazardous Waste Collection Center Tour Offered During Creek Week!
August 26, 2024 by Kaitlyn Haberlin - Hazardous Waste Recycling/Disposal -
Santa Barbara County – Electronic Waste Recycling Request for Proposals 2024
August 23, 2024 by Kaitlyn Haberlin