Computer Accessories Alternative ways to recycle Illegal in Garbage & Drains Electronic Waste Consider DonationIf the computer accessories are still usable, please donate. Visit Athens’ Material Reuse page for ideas. City Specific Disposal OptionsPlease check with your city page (residential or commercial) to confirm if electronic waste (e-waste) disposal options are available, such as home collection, drop-off locations, and/or events. (These options vary per city.) Household E-Waste Drop-OffYour city or county may offer E-Waste and Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) drop-off sites and collection events.– Los Angeles County: S.A.F.E. Collection Centers and events– Riverside County– San Bernardino County– Ventura County Disposal Options For BusinessesE-waste cannot be placed in your containers. Schedule a Special Waste Collection by emailing [email protected] or calling Athens’ Customer Service Department at 888-336-6100. Fees may apply. Some e-waste drop-off centers may allow drop off by small business generators (check links above). Never Throw in the Garbage Cart / Bin Never throw away computer accessories, including power cables, mice, keyboards, thumb drives, modems or headphones. They are made of plastics and metals that can release toxic chemicals like dioxins in a landfill. Alternative Ways to Recycle Dell Reconnect Drop-Off and Mail-Back Program Dell Reconnect will accept most computer equipment from any brand for recycling at many Goodwill drop-off locations. They also have a free mail-back program if you are recycling Dell products or wish to purchase a new Dell product. Find out more. Microsoft Trade-In and Recycling Program Trade in old devices, game consoles or games for Microsoft store credit or cash. Staples' Take Back Program Staples offers free, in-store recycling for unwanted electronics, including desktop computers and accessories, tablets, monitors, printers and other electronics. Locate your nearest Staples here. Best Buy's Electronics and Appliances Recycling Program Best Buy will recycle computer accessories and many other home electronics for free. They also offer a trade-in program for more desired electronics. They accept up to three items per day from each household. Find a location. Did You Know? Computer Cables Are Toxic in Landfills A Greenpeace study showed that polyvinyl chloride (a type of plastic that’s harmful to human health) makes up about 44 percent of the plastic coating used to make cables. Laptop power cables also contain phthalates, which are harmful to the liver. For these reasons, make sure to recycle cables properly.