San Francisco E-Waste Recycling - Where to Recycle

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

People often search for "electronics recycling near me" when looking for recycling options. Here's what you need to know.

Last reviewed by James Hartley on 23 March 2026

Where do you go to recycle your old electronics in San Francisco? With the city's strict environmental laws and a bustling tech industry, finding responsible ways to dispose of electronic waste isn't always straightforward. Here's what you need to know about recycling electronics in the Bay Area.

Drop-off Points

Several locations throughout San Francisco accept used electronics for free:

• Best Buy: The local Best Buy stores offer in-store recycling programs where customers can drop off old gadgets, from smartphones and laptops to televisions and gaming consoles. They won't charge you a fee for this service.

• Staples Office Supply: Staples has an ink cartridge recycling program but also accepts a range of electronics like cell phones and computers at no cost.

• Goodwill San Francisco: Goodwill's e-cycle program is available to the public, making it easy for anyone in the area to drop off old gadgets. No registration or fee is required.

The city's Department of Environment provides additional recycling options:

• SF Environment Recycling Locations: The San Francisco Department of the Environment lists several locations where residents can recycle electronics at no cost. These include facilities like Recology SF Transfer Stations and Recycle Central, which accepts everything from batteries to computers.

Paid Disposal Options

For larger items or commercial quantities, you may need to pay for disposal:

• Recology San Francisco: For bulky items like old refrigerators, Recology offers pickup services at a fee. The cost varies based on the size and type of item.

• Local Recycling Centers: Some certified e-waste recyclers charge per pound or by volume. These centers are important for handling hazardous materials safely.

Special Events

San Francisco hosts regular collection events to make recycling easier:

• City-Wide E-Waste Collection Events: The city organizes these annually, often in conjunction with community clean-up days. Check the SF Environment website for upcoming dates and locations.

• Kerbside Pickup Programs: Some neighborhoods have kerbside pickup during specific weeks where you can leave electronics out for collection.

Trade-in Options

If your old gadgets still work, consider trading them in:

• Retail Trade-ins: Best Buy and Apple offer trade-in programs where they'll give you credit towards new purchases. It's a great way to update your devices responsibly.

• Online Services: Companies like Gazelle or Decluttr buy back electronics from consumers across the country. You can ship items directly from San Francisco.

Accepted Items and Special Handling

The city accepts most electronic products, but some require extra care:

• TVs & Monitors: These contain cathode ray tubes that need special handling to prevent environmental damage.

• Batteries: Rechargeable batteries should be disposed of at battery recycling kiosks found in many stores.

• Refrigerators: Old fridges have ozone-depleting refrigerants, so they must go through a specialized disposal process.

Regulations

San Francisco follows California state laws and the federal EPA guidelines:

• California Electronic Waste Recycling Act (CA EWRA) of 2003: This act requires manufacturers to fund recycling programs for consumers. It applies to all electronics sold in California.

• Federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): The EPA provides guidelines on how to properly dispose of hazardous materials like batteries and CRT monitors.

For businesses:

• Commercial E-Waste Services: Businesses should look into commercial e-waste disposal services offered by companies certified under the Basel Action Network's e-Stewards program. These ensure your company complies with environmental regulations while recycling responsibly.

By following these guidelines, you can help keep San Francisco's environment clean and support sustainable practices in tech waste management.

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

Sources

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

How to Cite This Page

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