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. DOEE oversees this program.
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)
- Computer mice
- DVD players
- DVRs
- Gaming Consoles
- Keyboards
- 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:
- eCYCLE collection events listed below
- These events are approved by DOEE as part of the eCYCLE program and run by electronics manufacturers to collect used electronic equipment at locations across the city.
- These events only accept covered electronic equipment.
-
Department of Public Works electronics drop-off
DPW accepts electronics for recycling during events at RFK Stadium Lot 3, 2400 E Capitol St NE.
- Events will take place during specific hours on one Thursday and one Saturday of every month through March 2024. 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. - Manufacturers’ mailback programs and other recycling options (last updated 9/5/23)
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:
- Loose batteries (a separate battery recycling program is expected to launch in 2023)
- 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
Only covered electronic equipment (TVs, computers, and other items listed above) will be accepted at these events for free from District households, small nonprofits, and small businesses.
The exact location of events may vary by a few blocks from the addresses listed below.
Saturday, October 7, 2023, 9 am-1 pm (note different time than usual)
Collection vehicle expected to be on Lamont St between 17th St NW & Mount Pleasant St NW (Ward 1)
(Near Mount Pleasant Farmers Market)
- View and share event flyer
Saturday, October 14, 2023, 9 am-1 pm (note different time than usual)
Near Uptown Farmers Market on north end of Colorado Ave NW (Ward 4)
**Subject to change - check back closer to the event date for any updates**
- View and share event flyer
Saturday, October 21, 2023, 9 am-1 pm (note different time than usual)
Near 4321 Ord St NE (Ward 7)
(Near Kenilworth Rec Center Farmers Market)
Collection vehicle expected to be on Ord St NE
- View and share event flyer
Saturday, October 28, 2023, 10 am-2 pm
Collection vehicle expected to be on Calvert St NW between 40th Pl NW & 39th Pl NW (Ward 3)
(Near Stoddert Recreation Center)
- View and share event flyer
Saturday, November 4, 2023, 10 am-2 pm
Collection vehicle expected to be on Pennsylvania Ave NW between 19th & 20th St NW (Ward 2)
(Near James Monroe Park)
- View and share event flyer
Saturday, November 11, 2023, 10 am - 2 pm
Near 1812 Erie St SE (Ward 8)
(Near Fort Stanton Recreation Center)
Collection vehicle expected to be on Erie St SE, between 17th Pl SE and 18th Pl SE
- View and share event flyer
Saturday, November 18, 2023, 10 am-2 pm
Near corner of D St SE & 3rd St SE (Ward 6)
(Southeast of Folger Park)
- View and share event flyer
Saturday, December 2, 2023, 10 am- 2 pm
O'Boyle Hall Parking Lot, 305 Fort Slemmer Drive NE (Ward 5)
(on Catholic University of America campus)
Near the corner of Harewood Rd NE & Fort Slemmer Dr
- View and share event flyer
In 2023, there will be one eCYCLE collection event in each Ward during each quarter.
To start getting alerts, please email [email protected] with the subject “Add to List”. Please include the number of the ward where you live so DOEE can see the ward distribution of who is interested in getting these notifications.
Contact Us: Please email [email protected] with questions.