E-Cycle Washington

Washington State Department of Ecology

Welcome to E-Cycle Washington

Washington's FREE, convenient and environmentally responsible electronics recycling program has been operational since January 1, 2009. Products accepted at E-Cycle Washington drop-off sites are: computers, monitors, laptops, tablet computers, televisions and e-readers.

Total volume of electronics collected for recycling through E-Cycle Washington:

See up to date collection data for 2013 sorted by product type and by county of origin.

See year-in-total collection data: 2009 2010 2011 2012

2012 Annual Report
The 2012 Annual Report of the E-Cycle Washington program is now available.

Did You Know?

As consumers continue to take advantage of the free-of-charge E-Cycle Washington program to recycle their electronics, the volumes collected continue to grow every year. However, the types of electronics recycled (by weight) are changing at notably different rates. The total weight of TVs recycled has grown with each passing year while the combined weight of IT equipment (computers and monitors) recycled has declined each year.

	Television - Pounds / % of Total	IT Equipment - Pounds / % of Total
2009	22.4 / 58.0%	16.2 / 42%
2010	25.0 / 63.3%	14.5 / 36.7%
2011	29.3 / 69.3%	12.9 / 30.7%
2012	32.1 / 73.9%	11.4 / 26.1%
2013*	14.4 / 78.1%	4.1 / 21.9%

*Based on Jan.-May data
Note: Pounds are in millions

Who can use the program?
Households, small businesses, schools & school districts, small governments, special purpose districts, and charities can recycle electronic products free of charge in this program. More information.

Where can I recycle?
Visit 1800recycle.wa.gov or call 1-800-RECYCLE to find electronic product recycling services in your area.

What can I recycle for free?

televisions
computers
computer monitors
portable or laptop computers including "tablet computers"
e-readers (also called e-book readers)

Please note that computer peripherals such as keyboards, mice, and printers are not included in this program.

What happens to the electronics recycled through E-Cycle Washington?
The majority of the electronics are disassembled for recycling here in Washington. Some electronics go out-of-state for processing and some materials are exported for recycling at approved facilities. However, obsolete electronics are not exported to third-world countries. Metals, plastics and glass are separated and sold as commodities to be reused as raw materials in the manufacturing of new products. On average only 2% of the total volume goes to a landfill - mostly particle board from cabinet TVs. Toxic materials such as batteries, leaded glass, circuit boards and fluorescent tubes must be managed properly by approved recyclers. Ecology also requires recyclers to meet standards designed to protect worker safety and health as well as the environment.

What if my electronic equipment still works?
Many groups and businesses focus on making used electronics available for reuse. More information on donating your electronics for reuse.

WHERE DO I RECYCLE?

CLICK HERE FOR RECYCLING LOCATIONS!