Cordless Appliances Alternative ways to recycle Electronic Waste Cordless appliances may include small fans, scales, vacuums, electric toothbrushes, mixers, kettles, and electric razors. Repair, Don’t Replace!Instead of buying new, support local businesses by having them repair and refurbish broken items. Search for repair options in your area. Consider DonationIf the small appliance is 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. Check their website for acceptable items list. – 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). Battery Not Removable? It’s Hazardous Waste Cordless appliances contain rechargeable batteries, which contain metals and corrosive chemicals that contaminate the environment when not properly processed. Dispose of them as hazardous waste. Removable Battery? Take It Out If you can remove the battery from your cordless appliance, take it out and dispose of it separately. Many cordless appliances contain lithium-ion batteries. Learn what to do with lithium-ion batteries or other battery types. Rechargeable Devices Cause Fires Rechargeable devices contain batteries that can start fires when put in the garbage or curbside recycling bin. Always dispose of rechargeable batteries and devices properly to keep sanitation workers safe. Alternative Ways to Recycle Best Buy’s Electronics and Appliances Recycling Program Best Buy accepts stick vacuums, upright/canister vacuums, robot vacuums, fans and other home electronics for free recycling. They also offer a buyback program for more desired electronics. They accept up to three items per day from each household. Find a location here. Ways to Reduce Invest in Durable Appliances If possible, research and invest in appliances that are built to last. A quality appliance will last longer, require less maintenance and fewer repairs, and work more efficiently. Skip the Fads Before purchasing an electronic gadget, consider its actual usefulness. Cordless appliances often use valuable, non-renewable materials. Ways to Reuse Still Working? Sell or Donate It If your cordless appliance is still in working condition, try selling it or giving it away through Nextdoor, Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist or OfferUp. Did You Know? Lithium-Ion Battery Fires on the Rise Since lithium-ion batteries are sensitive to pressure and contact, they can cause truck or facility fires when accidentally thrown in the garbage or curbside recycling. One Brooklyn recycling facility recorded over 100 fires caused by lithium-ion batteries in 2021. Another lithium-ion battery fire burned down a public recycling center in San Carlos, California, causing $6.8 million in damages. What Devices Use Lithium-Ion Batteries? Lithium-ion batteries are found in common consumer electronics such as wireless headphones, cell phones, laptops, tablets, cameras, calculators, handheld gaming devices, hearing aids, hoverboards, e-cigarettes, and cordless appliances and power tools. Lithium-ion batteries are also used in electric vehicles and solar energy storage.