E-Waste
The Ecology Center started its E-Waste Reuse and Recycling Program in 2003 and has diverted over 10.5 million pounds of unwanted electronics from landfills or incineration. While electronics represent a small percentage of our overall waste stream, they contribute disproportionate amounts of toxins and heavy metals to our landfills. By keeping electronic waste out of landfills, the Ecology Center helps to ensure that this waste stream does not pollute our air, water, and communities.
- Collection events
- Process
- Upcoming Collection Events
- FAQ
E-waste collection events
The Ecology Center hosts free collection events in partnership with community groups and elected officials across NYC to accept unwanted electronics from NYC residents, small businesses, and nonprofits. We guarantee data security, and donations are tax-deductible.
The following working and nonworking electronic equipment will be accepted at collection events:
- Computers (laptops and desktops, servers, mainframes)
- Monitors (CRT and flat-screen)
- Handheld devices (smartphones, tablets, MP3 players, e-readers, etc.)
- Network devices (routers, hubs, modems, etc.)
- Peripherals (keyboards, mice, cables, cords, chargers, etc.)
- Components (hard drives, CD-ROMs, circuit boards, power supplies, etc.)
- Printers, scanners, fax machines
- TVs, VCRs, DVRs, DVD and Blu-ray players
- Digital converter boxes, cable/satellite receivers
- Video game consoles and accessories
- Cell phones, pagers, PDAs
- Audiovisual equipment (cameras, microphones, stereo equipment, etc.)
We do not accept:
- Batteries, except lead-acid batteries from uninterrupted power supply (UPS) systems
- Media such as discs, DVDs, VHS tapes, and cassette tapes
- Household appliances, including air conditioners and microwaves
- Smoke detectors
- Humidifiers and dehumidifiers
Please refer to our FAQ to find out how to responsibly dispose of unaccepted items.
Process
Collection
We host electronics recycling events to which NYC residents can bring their working and nonworking electronic equipment.
Sorting
At the collection events, our staff sort and palletize the materials as they come in.
Transporting
At the end of each event, our partner recycler transports the collected materials to their recycling facility.
Evaluation
At the recycling facility, items get evaluated for potential refurbishing and reuse or get recycled by shredding.
Upcoming Collection Events
Saturday, June 110:00 am–2 pm
Hell’s Kitchen (Manhattan Plaza)Event Categories:
E-Waste Collection Events
Sunday, June 210:00 am–2 pm
Fresh Meadow (Israel Center of Conservative Judaism)Event Categories:
E-Waste Collection Events
Saturday, June 810:00 am–2 pm
Queens Village (Alley Pond Athletic Playground)Event Categories:
E-Waste Collection Events
E-Waste FAQ
What can I bring?
- Computers (laptops and desktops, servers, mainframes)
- Monitors (CRT and flat-screen)
- Handheld devices (smartphones, tablets, MP3 players, e-readers, etc.)
- Network devices (routers, hubs, modems, etc.)
- Peripherals (keyboards, mice, cables, cords, chargers, etc.)
- Components (hard drives, CD-ROMs, circuit boards, power supplies, etc.)
- Printers, scanners, fax machines
- TVs, VCRs, DVRs, DVD and Blu-ray players
- Digital converter boxes, cable/satellite receivers
- Video game consoles and accessories
- Cell phones, pagers, PDAs
- Audiovisual equipment (cameras, microphones, stereo equipment, etc.)
We do not accept:
- Batteries, except lead-acid batteries from uninterrupted power supply (UPS) systems
- Media such as floppy disks, CDs, DVDs, VHS tapes, and cassette tapes
- Household appliances, including air conditioners and microwaves
- Smoke detectors
- Humidifiers and dehumidifiers
Where can I drop off e-waste?
We hold neighborhood collection events across New York City throughout the year. Events are usually held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., rain or shine, unless otherwise noted.
View our calendar for more details about when and where events are being held.
Additionally, DSNY offers Special Household Waste Drop-Off sites in each borough. They are open year-round, in addition to seasonal SAFE events, and accept materials for free.
Is there a limit to how much I can bring?
No, we do not have a limit on the amount of e-waste that you can bring to the event. If you are planning to drop off a larger amount of equipment (seven or more full-sized items such as computers, TVs, and printers) at an event, we would appreciate it if you could come within the first three hours of the event.
Please note that we only accept materials from households, not-for-profit organizations, schools, and small businesses.
Why should I recycle or reuse my old electronics?
E-waste contains many toxic materials, and by throwing it away in the regular trash, heavy metals like lead, mercury, and cadmium could end up in our groundwater. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, 70% of toxins found in landfills come from e-waste, even though it only constitutes 1% of landfill volume. In addition to serious health hazards, e-waste recycling and reuse reduces the energy and resources used up during the manufacture, transit, and sale of new electronics. Finally, it’s also required by law! In New York State, it’s illegal to throw your e-waste in the trash. You could be fined $100 for illegally discarding your electronics. For more information about the law, see the Electronics Equipment Recycling and Reuse Act.
What happens to the computers and other equipment that I dropped off?
All of the equipment dropped off is sorted and packed by Ecology Center staff, loaded into a truck, and transported to a local facility of our recycling partners, EcoTech Management and WALTER.
What happens to the data on my devices?
We guarantee data security for your devices. Older computers, external hard drives, cell phones, etc., are shredded during recycling. Items that might qualify for reuse, such as hard drives, are wiped in the refurbishing process. We only work with recyclers who guarantee data security. While it is not necessary to wipe your hard drive before recycling, you can do your own data removal using KillDisk or Darik’s Boot and Nuke. Both programs are free.
Do you offer pickups?
Unfortunately, we do not offer e-waste pickups. We suggest you ask family and friends with cars to help you bring your e-waste to our neighborhood e-waste drop-off events. We have also seen people with vehicles organize their building by offering to transport computers from their neighbors to an event along with their own computers.
Can I dispose of unwanted electronics in the regular trash?
No. In New York State, there is a $100 fine for disposing of electronics in the trash.
How do I recycle household appliances?
Most household appliances can be recycled curbside. Items that are mostly metal, glass, or rigid plastic can be placed at the curb for recycling. For more information on what can and cannot be recycled curbside, please check the Department of Sanitation’s home page and search in the “How to get rid of…” search box.
What do I do with household batteries?
We no longer accept any batteries, except lead-acid batteries from UPS systems. It is illegal to throw certain batteries in the trash.
Any store that sells rechargeable batteries must take back those batteries for recycling.
You can also drop off all types of batteries at DSNY SAFE events, which are offered twice a year in each borough, or at a DSNY Special Household Waste Collection site.
Can I come to an event to take recycled items for my own projects?
No. The collection events are for drop-off only.
Can I receive a tax deduction for donating my computer equipment?
Yes. Please ask one of our staff about getting a tax deduction form when you drop off your e-waste.
How can I get an e-waste recycling event in my neighborhood?
To make e-waste recycling accessible and convenient to New York City residents, we work with community partners to hold events in various neighborhoods. If you would like to bring an electronics recycling event to your community, please contact us at info@lesecologycenter.org or 212.477.4022.
