E-Waste Recycling: How to Properly Dispose of Electronics

Tony Chiha
May 13th, 2026
No Comments

Target Keyword: e-waste recycling

Americans generate over 6 million tons of electronic waste every year. Old phones, dead laptops, outdated TVs, and broken printers are piling up in closets, garages, and storage rooms across the country. E-waste recycling is not just a good idea — in California, it is the law. Here is how to properly dispose of your electronics in Los Angeles and Orange County.

What Counts as E-Waste?

E-waste (electronic waste) includes any discarded electronic device or component. Common examples include:

Computers (desktops and laptops)
Monitors and displays
Televisions (all types)
Cell phones and tablets
Printers, scanners, and copiers
Keyboards, mice, and cables
Video game consoles
DVD and Blu-ray players
Digital cameras and camcorders
Stereos and speakers
Small appliances with circuit boards
Networking equipment (routers, modems)

Why E-Waste Cannot Go in the Trash

Electronics contain hazardous materials that are dangerous when they reach landfills:

Lead (found in CRT monitors and solder) damages the nervous system and kidneys.
Mercury (found in LCD screens and switches) contaminates water and soil.
Cadmium (found in batteries and semiconductors) is a known carcinogen.
Brominated flame retardants (found in circuit boards and plastic casings) are persistent environmental pollutants.

California’s Electronic Waste Recycling Act prohibits throwing covered electronic devices (CEDs) in the trash. Violations can result in fines. When you buy certain electronics in California, you pay a recycling fee at the point of purchase that funds the state’s e-waste recycling program.

How to Recycle Electronics Responsibly

Option 1: Certified e-waste recyclers. Look for recyclers certified by e-Stewards or R2 (Responsible Recycling). These certifications ensure that your electronics are processed responsibly and not shipped to developing countries for unsafe dismantling.

Option 2: Retailer take-back programs. Best Buy, Staples, and other major retailers accept many types of electronics for free recycling. Best Buy accepts up to three items per household per day.

Option 3: City and county collection events. Los Angeles and Orange County regularly host free e-waste collection events. Check your city’s website for schedules.

Option 4: Professional pickup. 911 Junk California picks up e-waste directly from your home or office and ensures it reaches a certified recycling facility. This is especially convenient for businesses with large volumes of outdated equipment.

Protect Your Data First

Before recycling any device that stores data, take steps to protect your personal information:

Back up important files to an external drive or cloud storage.
Factory reset phones and tablets.
Wipe hard drives using data destruction software (a simple delete or format is not enough).
Remove SIM cards and SD cards from phones and cameras.
For businesses: Consider professional data destruction services that provide a certificate of destruction.

What Happens During E-Waste Recycling?

At a certified facility, electronics go through a multi-step process:

Sorting: Devices are categorized by type.
Data destruction: Hard drives and storage media are shredded or degaussed.
Dismantling: Devices are taken apart by hand or machine.
Material recovery: Valuable materials are extracted — gold, silver, copper, palladium, and rare earth elements.
Hazardous waste handling: Toxic components are safely contained and processed.
Recycling: Recovered materials are sent to manufacturers to be made into new products.

Schedule Your E-Waste Pickup

Do not let old electronics gather dust (and potentially leak hazardous materials). Call 911 Junk California at (562) 204-6335 or book online at 911junkca.com and save $20. We handle e-waste pickup and recycling for homes and businesses across Los Angeles and Orange County.

Related Pages:

Comments are closed