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. 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.
    

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. Manufacturers’ mailback programs and other recycling options (last updated 8/6/24)

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

Only covered electronic equipment (TVs, computers, and other items listed above) will be accepted at the following events for free from District households, small nonprofits, and small businesses.

• Saturday, August 24  |   10am-2pm
  Collection vehicle on Brooks St NE & Sycamore Rd NE (south of Kelly Miller Recreation Center) Ward 7
• Saturday, September 7   |   10am-2pm
  Collection vehicle on corner of N St SW & First St SW (near King Greenleaf Recreation Center) Ward 6
• Saturday, September 14   |   10am-2pm
  Collection vehicle on Frederick Douglass Court SE, north of Bruce Pl SE (near Douglass Community Center) Ward 8
• Saturday, September 21   |   10am-2pm
  Collection vehicle on corner of Van Buren St NW & 4th St NW (near Takoma Community Center) Ward 4
• Saturday, October 5   |   10am-2pm
  Collection vehicle on corner of Georgia Ave NW & Howard Pl NW (near Banneker Community Center) Ward 1
• Saturday, October 12   |   10am-2pm
  Collection vehicle on Pennsylvania Ave NW between 19th & 20th St NW (east of James Monroe Park) Ward 2

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