Where to Dispose of Electronic Waste in New Jersey

Electronic waste—often called e-waste—includes items like old TVs, computers, printers, tablets, phones, and small household electronics. Because these products can contain materials that shouldn’t go in the regular trash, New Jersey residents have several responsible options for drop-off and take-back. This guide explains where to bring e-waste in New Jersey, how to prepare your items, and what to expect when you arrive.

Quick Overview of Your Options

• Municipal drop-off recycling sites operated by your town or city’s Department of Public Works (DPW).
• County facilities and special waste events that accept electronics from local residents.
• Retail take-back programs for select devices and accessories.
• Community collection events hosted by towns, counties, and schools throughout the year.
• Electronics recycling companies like Computer Recycling – New Jersey offer commercial recycling services

Tip: Availability, accepted items, and hours vary by location. Always confirm details with your municipality or county before you go.

1) Municipal Drop-Off Recycling Sites

Most New Jersey municipalities run permanent or periodic electronics collection programs for residents. These programs are typically funded or supported at the local level and are the most reliable place to start.

What to know:

• Eligibility & ID: Many sites are residents-only and may require a driver’s license, tax bill, or utility bill as proof of address.
• Accepted items: Commonly accepted items include TVs, computer monitors, desktops, laptops, keyboards, mice, printers, and small electronics. Some locations also accept cables and peripherals.
• Limits & fees: Some towns set quantity limits per visit, and a few may charge a fee for certain items (for example, refrigerators).
• Hours & scheduling: Sites may operate on set days—often weekends—or by appointment. Seasonal hours are common, so check the schedule before loading your car.

How to find your municipal site:
Search your town’s website for “electronics recycling” or “DPW e-waste.” The page typically lists accepted items, hours, location, and any rules specific to residents.

2) County Facilities and Special Collection Days

If your town doesn’t have a permanent site, your county likely does. Many counties in New Jersey run household special waste facilities and electronics collection events several times a year.

What to expect:

• Drive-through events: Staff may unload items from your vehicle. Lines can form early on popular days.
• Event calendars: Counties publish annual schedules with spring and fall events.
• Item lists: Counties usually share a detailed list of what’s accepted—often similar to municipal programs—but policies can differ across counties.

How to find county options:
Visit your county government website and look for “recycling, solid waste, electronics,** or household special waste.” You’ll usually find a calendar, site addresses, and contact numbers.

3) Retail Take-Back Programs (Select Items)

Many electronics and office-supply retailers in New Jersey offer in-store take-back or mail-back options for certain devices and accessories, especially smaller items.

Typical items accepted:

• Phones, tablets, and small gadgets
• Cables, chargers, and accessories
• Ink and toner cartridges
• Select small electronics and peripherals

Before you go:

• Check item eligibility: Retail programs vary widely. Some accept a broad range of electronics; others focus on specific categories or brands.
• Confirm limits and fees: There may be item limits per day, size restrictions, or a small fee for certain devices.
• Call ahead: Policies and availability can change; a quick call prevents wasted trips.

4) Community Collection Events

Schools, nonprofits, and municipal groups often host one-day electronics collection events to make e-waste recycling convenient for residents.

Why use them:

• Convenience: Great for clearing out multiple items at once.
• Local focus: Events are typically open to residents of the town or surrounding communities.
• Publicized lists: Flyers and town emails usually include item lists, rules, and hours.

Where to find events:
 Check your town newsletter, community Facebook pages, local bulletin boards, and the events section of your municipal or county website.

5.) Electronics Recycling Companies

Trusted recycling companies like Computer Recycling – New Jersey provide e-waste pickup services for businesses, and ensure all electronics are properly recycled.

Computer Recycling – New Jersey
1071 Springfield Rd, Union, NJ 07083
(201) 420-1986
https://www.computerrecyclinginc.com

How to Prepare Your Electronics for Drop-Off

A little preparation ensures faster lines, protects your privacy, and keeps programs running smoothly.

1) Back up and remove personal data

• Factory reset phones and tablets.
• Sign out of cloud accounts and remove any SIM or memory cards.
• Wipe or remove drives from computers if you’re comfortable doing so. If not, ask the collection site whether they offer data-handling guidance.

2) Pack safely

• Place small items in sturdy boxes.
• Bundle cables with rubber bands or tape to avoid tangles.
• Keep remotes and power adapters with the matching device when possible.

3) Handle batteries with care

• Do not place loose lithium batteries in regular trash or recycling. Tape the terminals with clear tape and place each in a separate bag.
• Ask the drop-off site or retailer whether they accept loose or embedded batteries; procedures can differ from general e-waste.

4) Know what’s not accepted

• Many programs do not accept large appliances, light bulbs, smoke detectors, or hazardous materials at electronics events. If in doubt, call ahead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is e-waste disposal required to be separate from household trash?
Yes—across New Jersey, many common electronics are not allowed in the regular trash. Municipal and county programs exist to help residents dispose of these items responsibly. Check your local rules for specifics.

Will I be charged a fee?
Many resident programs accept covered electronics at no cost, while others may charge for specific items (often large TVs) or set per-item limits. Always confirm before visiting.

Can I bring business electronics?
This guide focuses on residential options. Business electronics often follow different rules and may require separate arrangements—contact your municipality for guidance or call an electronic recycling company for assistance.

Finding the Right Option Near You

1. Start with your town’s DPW page and search for “electronics recycling” or “e-waste.”
2. Check your county solid-waste website for permanent facilities or event calendars.
3. Call local electronics retailers to ask about in-store take-back for smaller items and accessories.
4. Watch for community collection days advertised by your town, county, schools, and local organizations.
5. Call electronic recycling companies if you’re representing a business and not a resident.

Responsible E-Waste Disposal Benefits Everyone

Choosing municipal sites, county facilities, retailer take-back, or community events keeps hazardous materials out of landfills, supports responsible material recovery, and helps New Jersey communities stay compliant with local rules. With a quick check of your town or county resources—and a little prep before you go—you’ll be able to recycle your electronics the right way and keep clutter (and risk) out of your home.