Telephones (Landline)

Alternative ways to recycle
Illegal in Garbage & Drains
Electronic Waste

City Specific Disposal Options
Please 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-Off
Your 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 Businesses
E-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).

Trash Bin

Never Throw in the Garbage

Landline telephones are made with chemicals and hazardous materials found in circuit boards and batteries. These materials are dangerous when placed in landfills because they can leach into water supplies.

Alternative Ways to Recycle

Best-Buy-logo

Best Buy Recycling Program

Best Buy will take back phones and many other home electronics for free recycling. They accept up to three items per day from each household. They also offer a trade-in program for more desired electronics. Find a Best Buy location here.

Staples

Staples' Take Back Program

Staples offers free, in-store recycling for unwanted electronics, including phones, desktop computers, tablets, monitors and other electronics. Locate your nearest Staples.

Ways to Reuse

ebay

Sell or Donate

If your old landline is still in good condition, consider donating it or selling it. You can try selling it locally or on eBay, since discontinued phones can be valuable.

Did You Know?

The History of the Telephone

The Problem of E-Waste

E-waste is a dangerous business in India and China, where e-waste recycling plants release toxic chemicals into the air and cause health problems for recycling workers. To learn more about e-waste, check out The Story of Stuff Project.