Electronics Recycling

Properly recycling electronics conserves natural resources, ensures appropriate handling of toxic materials, provides a more sustainable source of precious metals, and protects human health and the environment.

eCYCLE DC

Manufacturers of certain electronics that are sold in the District must provide opportunities for people in the District to recycle electronic waste generated in the city.

Please see the links below for more information.

• Residents - Learn how to recycle your electronics.
• Manufacturers - Learn about manufacturer registration and collection requirements.
• Retailers - Learn about the responsibility of retailers.
• Resources - Find important documents related to eCYCLE DC.

What electronics are covered by this program (“covered electronic equipment” or CEE)?

• Computers (including laptops, tablets, and e-readers with screens larger than six inches)
• DVD players & recorders
• Gaming Consoles
• Keyboards & mice
• Monitors (screens larger than 6 inches)
• Printers (desktop, 100 pounds or less)
• TVs (screens larger than 6 inches)
• VCRs
• Other items

- The above covered electronic equipment is banned from the trash.

Looking to discard electronics that are in usable condition or can be repaired? DOEE recommends seeking donation or repair options before recycling. To find a local donation or repair shop, visit Reuse DC at reuse.dc.gov and search the online directory. Reuse DC  is the District's hub for learning where to repair, donate, and shop second-hand household items. 

Covered electronic equipment is accepted for recycling through:

1. Permanent Locations: Please contact stores for the most up-to-date information.
    

2. Department of Public Works electronics drop-off
   DPW accepts electronics for recycling during events Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) events.
     Find out more and view the schedule.
   - These events will accept more than covered electronic equipment.
   - The previous electronics drop-off location, Benning Road Transfer Station, is currently closed to the public.

3. Manufacturer's mailback programs (last updated 3/26/25)

What electronics are not included in the program?

All items that are not listed in this fact sheet. Common examples of equipment that are not covered include:

• Household batteries (these are accepted separately from the eCYCLE DC program through the District's battery recycling program – learn more
• Appliances, such as electric kettles or toasters
• Light bulbs
• Computer cords or wires that are not connected to a computer
• CDs or VCR tapes
• Loose ink and toner cartridges

Find out how to properly dispose of electronics not included in the eCYCLE program with the “What Goes Where” tool on the Zero Waste DC website. Read more >>

For concerns about data security, please see the following best practices for data-bearing electronic equipment. Electronics collectors recommend that consumers use commercially available data-erasing software to ensure data is removed from the equipment prior to dropping it off for recycling. Electronics recycler protocol is to wipe or physically destroy data-bearing electronic equipment, but it is prudent for residents to erase data out of an abundance of caution.

eCYCLE Collection Events for Recycling Covered Electronics

Through the eCYCLE DC program, DOEE oversees manufacturers’ efforts to help District residents recycle and reuse their Covered Electronic Equipment (CEE) to the maximum extent possible. The eCYCLE DC program includes three registration options. The eCYCLE DC events are produced by manufactures that registered as a Representative Organization for the eCYCLE DC program. Unfortunately for the 2025 program year, no manufacturers have registered as a Representative Organization. As no manufacturer has currently registered as a Representative Organization, there will be no collection events in the 2025 eCYCLE DC program.

DOEE understands that residents can face barriers in properly disposing electronics and are working with our sister agencies to identify potential solutions.Residents can still recycle all forms of CEE bought in the District by utilizing Manufacturer mailback and drop-off locations. DOEE also encourages residents to utilize other District recycling events, such as DPW’s Special Waste Collection Events for a wider range of accepted items.

Contact Us: Please email [email protected] with questions.