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Electronics

Definition:  Computers and peripherals (e.g., printers, scanners, ZIP drives, keyboards), phones, cameras, televisions, fax machines, portable gaming devices, video equipment, audio equipment, etc.

Donation and Recycling Locations

All Types of Electronics:  See the Environmental Protection Agency's E-cycling List.

Specific Types:

• Computers and Televisions:  Accepted at Electric Sunday events.
• Rechargeable Batteries:  Accepted at Electric Sunday events and various government drop-off locations.
• Cell Phones:
  • Cell phones are accepted at the county's Electric Sunday events and various government drop-off locations.
  • Fairfax County Commission for Women collects used cell phones, chargers and batteries to help victims of domestic violence.
  • Fairfax County's Police Department's Call to Protect Program issues grants to victims of domestic violence.  Cell phone collection boxes are located at every police station.
  • The Cell Phones for Soldiers Program works to turn old cell phones into minutes of prepaid calling cards for U.S. troops. Call 800-426-1031, TTY 711 for more information.

More Information

To protect yourself from identify theft, it is recommended that you delete any personal or sensitive information from your electronic device before recycling it.

Electronic products are made from metal, plastics, and glass -- all of which require energy to mine and manufacture. Reusing and recycling these materials conserves natural resources. In addition, many electronics contain lead, mercury, beryllium and cadmium. If improperly disposed of, these contaminants may be released into the environment.   

When possible, electronics are refurbished and/or resold.  In some cases, electronics are disassembled, sorted by material (metals, plastics, glass, etc.) and sold on the recyclables market. Hazardous components, such as leaded glass in certain computer monitors or TVs, are removed and sent for proper recovery and recycling in a permitted hazardous waste facility.

Yes. Businesses are legally responsible for managing all toxic materials that are used and/or stored on site. Electronic equipment and rechargeable batteries fall in this category. Business owners and managers should visit the Know Toxics website for more information.