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E-Waste Recycling

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E‑waste (electronic waste) refers to discarded electrical or electronic devices, such as computers, phones, printers, appliances, and other digital equipment, that are no longer wanted, working, or useful. E‑waste often contains valuable materials that can be recycled, as well as hazardous substances that require proper handling to protect human health and the environment.

Benefits of Recycling E-Waste

• Conserves natural resources by recovering valuable metals like copper, gold, and aluminum for reuse.
• Reduces environmental pollution by preventing hazardous materials (such as lead, mercury, and cadmium) from entering landfills and waterways.
• Saves energy because manufacturing products from recycled materials uses less energy than producing them from raw resources.
• Supports a circular economy by extending the life cycle of materials and reducing the need for new resource extraction.
• Creates green jobs in recycling, refurbishment, and repair industries.
• Protects community health by reducing the release of toxic substances into the air, soil, and water.
• Reduces landfill waste and helps manage the growing volume of electronic devices.

 Where to Recycle E-Waste

E‑waste is managed through the OCWR (Orange County Waste & Recycling) Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) program and can be taken to any of the four HHW Collection Centers in Anaheim, Huntington Beach, Irvine, and San Juan Capistrano. These centers accept electronic devices—such as televisions, tablets, cell phones, and computers—as part of the county’s free hazardous waste disposal service for residents.

At each OCWR HHW Collection Center, e‑waste is handled using established hazardous waste protocols: secure storage, proper labeling, controlled transport, and delivery to certified recycling or disposal facilities that meet environmental and data‑security standards.

. Residents must bring items in their original, leak-proof containers (where applicable) and comply with transport limits (up to 15 gallons or 125 pounds per trip).

This integration of e‑waste into the HHW program ensures that electronics are diverted from landfills, hazardous materials are contained, and recovered components are recycled in compliance with state and county environmental regulations.

Guide to Orange County's Household Hazardous Waste Collection Centers