Los Angeles E-Waste Recycling - Where to Recycle

Los Angeles has multiple electronics recycling options including retail drop-offs, council facilities, and certified e-waste recyclers.

People often search for "electronic recycling los angeles" when looking for recycling options. Here's what you need to know.

Last reviewed by James Hartley on 23 March 2026

Where do you take old gadgets and gizmos when they're done? Let's talk about recycling electronics in Los Angeles, where there are plenty of options.

First off, the big stores like Best Buy and Staples have drop-off bins for smaller items such as phones, laptops, and tablets. They won't charge you for these, but be sure to check their rules-there's usually a limit on how many devices you can bring in at once. Goodwill also accepts electronics, including old computers and printers, for free.

According to the EU Directive 2012/19/EU, The EU WEEE Directive requires member states to collect 65% of electronics placed on the market.

If it's bigger stuff like TVs or monitors, the city of Los Angeles offers special hazardous waste collection events where you can drop off your items without paying. These events are run by local councils throughout the year-keep an eye on their websites for schedules. Plus, there are permanent facilities that handle e-waste too, like ERI and Green Citizen.

For kerbside pickup, check if your city has a programme going on. Some areas in LA might offer this service during specific times of the year, but it's not available everywhere yet.

Now, what about trade-ins? Best Buy runs a pretty popular program where you can swap old tech for credit towards new stuff. Other options include online services like Glyde and Gazelle that specialize in buying used electronics from anywhere. Just ship your device to them!

According to the WHO, e-waste contains over 1,000 different substances, many of them toxic.

what gets recycled, everything from smartphones to microwaves is usually fair game. But batteries and refrigerators need special handling because of the hazardous materials inside. You can't just toss those into a regular bin.

California has strict e-waste laws that require manufacturers to provide free recycling options for consumers. This means you don't have to pay anything extra when dropping off your old tech at approved locations like Best Buy or Staples. It's all covered under state law, so take advantage of it!

For businesses and commercial entities in Los Angeles, there are plenty of certified recyclers that can handle large volumes of electronics responsibly. ERI is one such company with multiple facilities across California. They'll pick up your e-waste from your place of business or help you arrange shipping if needed.

According to the US EPA, recycling one million laptops saves the energy equivalent of electricity used by 3,657 us homes in a year.

Remember, recycling electronics isn't just good for the planet-it's often required by law in California. So don't throw away those old gadgets; find a safe way to recycle them instead!

And there you have it-a quick rundown on where and how to responsibly dispose of your electronic waste in Los Angeles. Whether you're heading down to Best Buy or checking out local council events, you've got plenty of options to choose from.

Sources

• EU Directive 2012/19/EU
• WHO
• US EPA

How to Cite This Page

James Hartley (2026). 'Los Angeles'. eCycling Central. Available at: https://ecyclingcentral.com/areas/los-angeles (Accessed: 23 March 2026).