E-Waste

Today, very few electronics products can be recycled or repaired, and many become obsolete within a few years, making proper disposal of every item extremely important to protect the Lake County environment.

Some electronics waste, or “E-Waste” contain hazardous and toxic materials including lead, cadmium, beryllium, mercury, and brominated flame retardants – none of which cannot be put in the landfill or curbside carts and must be disposed of as hazardous materials. An older computer monitor can contain up to five pounds of lead alone.

Lake County residents can easily dispose of their E-Waste properly – at no cost – by taking it to Lake County Waste Solutions, South Lake Refuse and Recycling, or the monthly E-Waste event sponsored by Goodwill Industries.

E-Waste includes electronics that are replaced frequently such as cell phones and chargers (which also can be returned to the retail store that sells them), PDAs, computer systems and peripherals including printer, mouse, monitors, speakers, scanner, keyboard, cables, modems, etc., as well as stereo equipment, radios, tape players, CD players, headphones VCR/VHS, DVD players, camcorders, fax machines, scanners, copiers, telephones, answering machines, microwave ovens, televisions, hair dryers, irons, and blenders.

However, not all electronics are considered E-Waste. Regular ovens, vacuum cleaners, coffee pots, toasters, batteries, stoves, refrigerators, and small engines are not E-Waste, but can be taken to Lake County Waste Solutions or South Lake Refuse and Recycling to dispose of for a small fee.

Residents with curbside service in the unincorporated areas and in the city of Lakeport can contact their hauler to schedule a bulky item pick-up for large appliances, televisions, air conditioners, etc. Fees for this service range from no-cost up to $20, depending on location and what needs to be picked up.

If the older electronic equipment is still in good working order, Goodwill will accept the items at the monthly E-Waste drive as a donation for resale in one of their stores. Local thrift stores also will accept donations of items in good working order.

E-Waste is accepted every day of the week at either Lake County Waste Solutions and Southlake Refuse and Recycling or monthly at the Goodwill Industries E-Waste drive held at Bruno’s Shop Smart, 355 Lakeport Blvd., Lakeport on the first Saturday of each month, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Another option by a company not affiliated with the County of Lake is Gadgets4Cash - some of your E-Waste may be worth money!