Electronic and universal waste, such as fluorescent tubes and consumer batteries, are prohibited from the trash or landfill bin because they contain poisonous heavy metals such as lead, mercury and cadmium that can pollute groundwater near landfills and pose harmful effects on public health.

These wastes include: batteries, fluorescent bulbs, computers, monitors, cords, phones, TVs, VCRs, DVD players, stereos, microwave ovens, or iPods.

DROP OFF

Your best option to dispose of electronic items is often (but not always) to take them back to a manufacturer. Some manufacturers will take back their old equipment for reuse or recycling:

• Dell Computer Exchange
• HP Computer Exchange
• Gateway Computer Exchange
• Apple Computer Exchange

Additional Resources:

• California Department of Toxic Substances Control
• eRecycle