Electronic Recycling 101

We know recycling is important, but it’s not always easy. What items can we put in our bins? What about specialty items like electronics? Do they have to be dropped off at a special location? What items can be taken back to a store or manufacturer? And on top of all of that, each town has their own different regulations and requirements.

But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. 

Since 2015, consumers have not been able to dispose of electronic equipment in their curbside bins. Instead, they have to take them in to be recycled. And for good reason. Recycling electronics instead helps reduce pollution that would be generated while manufacturing a new product and the need to extract valuable and limited virgin resources. Electronic recycling also reduces the energy used in new product manufacturing. And thankfully, recycling your electronic devices is pretty easy.

You generally have two options to recycle your electronics:

Option 1: Use a Manufacturer's Takeback Program

Go to the Department of Environmental Conservation's list of electronic equipment manufacturers registered in NYS, to find manufacturers, their brands of electronic equipment, and their electronic waste acceptance program websites and toll-free telephone numbers. 

NOTE: Manufacturers are required to accept their own brand of electronic equipment for recycling. They are also required to accept one piece of electronic waste of any manufacturer's brand if offered by a consumer with the purchase of electronic equipment covered by the law of the same type by a consumer.

The NYS Electronic Equipment Recycling and Reuse Act requires manufacturers to provide free and convenient recycling of electronic waste to most consumers in the state. Collection opportunities include:

• fixed acceptance locations such as retail stores, sales outlets, not-for-profit organizations, or municipal facilities

• mail or ship back return programs

• community collection events

Option 2: Go to an Electronic Waste Collection Site

We've compiled a list of links below to East End recycling facilities. Some of them offer very specific instructions on what kinds of electronics they accept and when. Still have questions? Give them a call so you can get the most up to date information for your particular electronics recycling needs.

East Hampton: Electronic items like computers, televisions, cellphones, video cameras, VCRs, and DVD players are accepted at the Montauk Transfer Station.

Riverhead: You can recycle your electronic items at the Town’s Yard Waste Facility on Young’s Avenue where there is a drop off container or at Best Buy on Route 58. View the full list of accepted electronics HERE.

Shelter Island: Electronic items are accepted at the Recycling Center by the Goody Area. Learn more HERE.

Southampton: The Town of Southampton offers two Electronic Waste Collection Sites: North Sea Recycling Center and Hampton Bays Recycling Center. Learn more about what is accepted and where to take your items HERE.

Southold: Electronic items are accepted free of charge at the Cutchogue Transfer Station. This include: TVs, computers, monitors, printers, cell phones, fax machines, MP3 players, scanners, DVRs, cable and satellite receivers, video game consoles, and many other items.

If you have any problems trying to return electronic waste for recycling, please call the NYSDEC at 518.402.8706 or send them an email.