Recycle your electronics right here!

Computer devices. Mobile phone, laptop, printer, camera and tablet pc. 3d
November 30, 2018
  |   25 Comments

Recycle your new and old electronics

Ever wonder what to do with that old TV with the rabbit ears? Or how about that broken printer that’s sitting in the back of your closet?

Take them to the electronics drop-off at the Shady Grove Transfer Station! Our electronics drop-off, located in the Recycling Area, is open daily.

 

What items are accepted as electronics?

TV with rabbit ears

We even accept TVs like this!

Electronics is more than just TVs and computers. A few examples of electronics we accept:

  • Computers and related items
  • Holiday string lights
  • Portable chargers
  • Printers and printer drums
  • Cell phones
  • VCR/DVR/DVD or Blu-ray players and discs
  • Video cameras
  • TVs

 

What items are not accepted as electronics?

A few examples of electronics we don’t accept for recycling are:

  • Audiotapes
  • Videotapes
  • Small household appliances – these items are accepted for recycling as scrap metal
  • Rechargeable batteries – take rechargeable batteries to our Household Hazardous Waste drop-off

 

Is your electronics item not on the lists above?

Check out our comprehensive list of electronics recyclables.

 

What happens to my computer and data after recycling drop-off?

The County requires its contractor and non-profit partners to erase data from equipment that will be reused and to destroy remaining memory devices. We still recommend that you use a data-wiping tool to erase personal data before dropping electronics off for recycling. You can find data-wiping tools online at no cost.

 

Where may I donate working computers and other electronic items?

 

I can’t bring my electronics to the Transfer Station. What other eCycling options do I have?

A variety of organizations offer trade-in, take back or drop-off programs. Some of them provide this service at no cost for to you, some charge you a fee, and others may offer credit towards the purchase of new equipment.

Community-based options



25 comments on "Recycle your electronics right here!"

  1. Deborah Bandanza says:

    My mom lives in Frederick and has two old Magnavox televisions. Can she recycle at your center or do you need to have residency in Montgomery County?

    1. Cat says:

      Thanks for reaching out! We accept materials from Montgomery County residents only at the Shady Grove Transfer Station. Check out Frederick County’s website for their electronics recycling information. https://frederickcountymd.gov/3955/Drop-Off-Center-for-Recycling-Various-Ma

  2. Deborah says:

    Thank! I thought that would be the case. My mother thought that the Reichs Ford Road facility was closed so I did not check the website, however, I think it was the road that was closed at one point. It does look like they would take the old tvs. I am going to call them and confirm before I head over.

    1. Cat says:

      Great, hope it works out!

  3. Yvonne wall says:

    Do I have to pay to dispose of electronic equipment? And how much?

  4. David says:

    Are you guys open today?

  5. Vivian Black says:

    You made a great point about what items are accepted as electronics like holiday string lights and cell phones. My husband and I are looking for a cable recycling service that we can use to get rid of all of our old cables. We will keep these tips in mind as we search for a professional that can help us best.

  6. G H A says:

    What happens to electronic components from old monitors and TV sets (lots of lead in those CRT screens)? Are metals, etc. captured and actually recycled?

  7. Kathy says:

    Are 3 1/2 inch Diskettes considered electronics and recyclable?

    1. Cat Lee says:

      Hi Kathy, we do not have a recycling opportunity for 3 1/2 inch diskettes, You may add them to your regular household trash.

  8. Richard Hollins says:

    With the current stay in place orders, Am I able to get into the Shadygrove recycling center to drop off a large TV?

    1. Cat Lee says:

      Hi, until the stay at home order is lifted, we ask that you hold on to items like your TV. Thanks for your understanding.

  9. rosa says:

    Are you open now during regular business hours?

    1. Cat Lee says:

      The hours of the facility will be 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday (both entrances) and 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday (Route 355 entrance only). https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/sws/dropoff/

  10. Mike cueto says:

    Wow I’m surprised to see holiday string lights are acceptable as disposable electronics. Curious as to why. Is there any chance of my getting my hands on them if they are in some kind of shape that I can work with?

    1. Cat Lee says:

      Thanks for reaching out. The metal components in holiday string lights can be recycled in the same way as components inside other electronic devices. We cannot distribute recyclable materials received at our facility.

  11. Thanks for sharing this it’s really helpful for me.

    1. Cat Lee says:

      Glad this was helpful!

  12. Liliana L says:

    I didn’t see vacuum cleaners included on the list. I tried to take it to Best Buy but they told me that they are not recycling any items because of the pandemic. Do you have any suggestions? the item is not in working condition.

  13. Cat Lee says:

    Hi, you may take your vacuum to the e-waste drop-off at the Shady Grove Transfer Station. Enter the facility through the 355 entrance and follow the signs to the appropriate drop-off location. Let us know if you need anything else.

  14. Jamie says:

    We dropped off a computer without emptying the hard drive. Was this a mistake?

    1. Cat Lee says:

      We have a protocol for erasing the hard drive. 🙂

  15. Mia Evans says:

    It’s interesting to know that small household appliances can be accepted as recycling scrap metal. With that in mind, I guess I can opt for computer recycling services as well to dispose of my first device properly. I just don’t want to be adding to the waste going into the landfills to save the enviornment.

  16. Jeff Carbine says:

    It really helped when you said some of them give this service for free, while others may charge a fee or offer credit against the purchase of new equipment. I have a cousin who is doing a research paper this should help him, I’ll share it with him. Thank you for the information about the recycling transfer station.

    1. Cat Lee says:

      Thanks for the feedback. Let us know if you need anything else!

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