New: Electronics Recycling Program
Now it’s easier than ever to get rid of your old electronics. Till the end of the year, the City of Chicago is hosting dozens of drop-off recycling events across the city.
What's accepted?
Only the following household electronics are accepted. Electronics from businesses will not be accepted.
Cell Phones • Computers • Video Game Consoles • Computer Monitors • Portable Digital Music Players • TVs • Digital Converter Boxes • Printer, Fax, Scanners • Cable & Satellite Receivers • Keyboards & Mice • Small-Scale Servers • VCRs, DVD Players, DVD Recorders
Safe and Easy drop-off
The city has implemented extra safety precautions due to Covid-19. Social distancing between staff and the public will be a priority. You will be asked to remain in the vehicle and automatically open your trunk or door, if you can.
If the door or trunk cannot be opened from inside your car, you'll be asked to manually open them, and step back 6 feet so the staff can gather your electronics.
It's the law, and it's good for the environment too.
Old electronics are chockful of precious metals and rare earth elements that are in short supply. They also contain toxic chemicals that should not end up in a landfill. That's why dozens of states, including the State of Illinois, have electronic recycling or 'e-waste' laws which require that old electronics be responsibly recycled.
Drop-off Locations
Please note that once the truck is full, no more electronics will be accepted. Materials should not be left at the locations outside of operating hours. ONLY the electronics listed above are eligible for recycling.
Commercial and other residential electronics are not accepted. Note that the Household Chemicals and Computer Recycling Facility at 1150 North Branch Street, also accepts household chemicals.
Prefer a calendar view? Check out the schedule lookup page on this website. Just enter your home address to access the calendar which will include your recycling and trash dates too.
Have old electronics that are still working?
For electronics that are still in working order, please consider trading them in, selling them, or donating them, rather than recycling. Allowing your unwanted electronics to be reused provides more environmental benefits than recycling, and you could recoup some of your original cost too.
Most major electronics retailers, such as Best Buy, Apple, and Dell offer trade-in programs for used electronics (any brand). And most will allow you to verify the trade-in value of your items on-line and provide a return shipping label so you don't even have to visit the store.
Another option for your working electronics is to list them on popular consumer-to-consumer marketplaces such as eBay, Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace and Nextdoor's classified sections. It takes a bit more effort but might reward you with more money in return.
