Official website of the
City of Vancouver, Washington

Garbage & Recycling

What to Do With Your Old Computer

Washington now has a FREE, convenient and environmentally responsible recycling program for computers, monitors, laptops and televisions.

Who can use the program?
Households, small businesses, schools & school districts, small governments, special purpose districts, and nonprofits & charities can recycle electronic products free of charge in this program. Click here for more information. (Note: State Department of Ecology site; site will open in a new browser window.)

Where can I recycle?
Call 1-800-RECYCLE or visit 1800recycle.wa.gov to find electronic product recycling services in your area. (Note: State Department of Ecology site; site will open in a new browser window.)

What can I recycle for free?
• televisions
• computers
• computer monitors
• portable or laptop computers
Please note that computer peripherals such as keyboards, mice, and printers are not included in this program.

Why recycle electronics?
Many electronics, especially TVs and computers, contain toxic materials such as lead, cadmium and mercury. Reusing and recycling electronics keeps these toxic materials out of our landfills and incinerators and also recovers valuable resources. The electronic equipment this program collects will be taken apart and separated into materials such as glass, plastic, metal and toxic chemicals. All recycling will follow performance standards set up by the Department of Ecology.

What if my electronic equipment still works?
Many groups and businesses focus on making used electronics available for reuse. Click here for more information on donating your electronics for reuse. (Note: State Department of Ecology site; site will open in a new browser window.)

Or, consider donating your computer to Empower Up (Computer Reuse and Marketing).  Empower Up is now a non-profit organization. www.empowerupnow.org 

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