Where to Recycle Electronics in San Diego (2026)

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

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

Last reviewed by James Hartley on 23 March 2026

Recycling your old gadgets responsibly is key when you live in San Diego. Don't just toss them in the trash; there are plenty of places where you can drop off used electronics for free or at a low cost.

First off, Best Buy and Staples both offer e-waste recycling at their stores nationwide, including those in San Diego. They'll take items like computers, printers, TVs, and cell phones. There's no charge for up to two small items per day-like a laptop or tablet-and you can recycle larger electronics for a nominal fee.

According to the WHO, improper e-waste disposal releases toxic substances including lead, mercury, and cadmium into soil and water.

Goodwill also has an e-cycling program through the retailer Dell Reconnect. You can drop off used computers and monitors at participating Goodwill locations around San Diego without paying a dime. They'll even take broken devices that are beyond repair, ensuring your gadgets don't end up in landfills.

The City of San Diego's Environmental Services Department runs hazardous waste collection events where you can recycle old electronics like televisions and batteries for free. These events happen regularly throughout the year-check their website for dates and locations.

For those who prefer to leave it at home, the city offers a kerbside pickup service called "Toxics Collections" twice a year in April and October. On these collection days, you can put out your e-waste like old computers or batteries without worrying about fees.

According to the UN Global E-Waste Monitor 2024, only 22.3% of e-waste was properly collected and recycled in 2022.

If you're interested in getting some money back for your tech items, San Diego has several trade-in options. Best Buy offers cash or gift cards for working electronics through their Trade-In program. Retailers like Gazelle and NextWorth will send you prepaid shipping labels to mail in old gadgets and get a refund via PayPal.

larger appliances such as refrigerators and air conditioners, they need special handling due to the harmful chemicals inside. The city's hazardous waste facilities can take these items for free.

California has strict e-waste regulations through its statewide Electronic Waste Recycling Act of 2003. San Diego requires manufacturers to fund recycling programs and bans electronics from landfills. San Diego must comply with this act, ensuring that all electronic devices are recycled responsibly.

According to the Consumer Technology Association, The average US household has 21 unused electronic devices.

For businesses or commercial entities generating a lot of e-waste, there are certified recyclers like TechTurn Solutions and ERI Recycling in San Diego. These companies handle large quantities and offer secure data destruction for sensitive equipment.

Remember, proper disposal not only keeps the environment clean but also helps recover valuable materials that can be used to make new products. So, next time you upgrade your gadgets, think about recycling them responsibly instead of tossing them away.

Sources

• WHO
• UN Global E-Waste Monitor 2024
• Consumer Technology Association

How to Cite This Page

James Hartley (2026). 'San Diego'. eCycling Central. Available at: https://ecyclingcentral.com/areas/san-diego (Accessed: 23 March 2026).