Special Materials: Hazardous Waste

Electronic Waste (E-Waste)

What is E-Waste

E-Waste (Electronic Waste) is a popular, informal name for unwanted electronic products. Items such as computers, TV's, VCR's, stereos, copiers, fax machines and telephones are common electronic products that become unwanted as they are replaced by newer, more advanced products. Some of these unwanted products can be reused or refurbished. Non-profit, charitable organizations such as L.A. Shares, Goodwill Industries, the Salvation Army and St. Vincent de Paul may accept electronic products that are in good working condition or that may only need minor repairs in order to be reused. Contact these organizations directly for more information.

The CRT Issue

Cathode Ray Tubes (CRT's) are the picture tubes in computer monitors and TV's. They are found in virtually every household and office throughout the nation. With the rapid evolution of technology, computers become obsolete in a short period of time. With the coming advent of High Definition (HD) digital TV's, current analog TV's will become obsolete. Each year, an estimated six million CRT's are discarded in California. A typical 17-inch CRT contains approximately two pounds of lead. Larger CRT's may contain up to ten pounds of lead. Lead is a known toxic substance and disposal of CRT's in landfills can cause the pollution of soil and groundwater. California's Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) has declared that CRT's are banned from disposal in landfills.

Consumer Electronic Devices (CEDs)

CED's are common consumer electronic devices that are used in the home or office, such as telephones, cellular phones, answering machines, radios, stereo equipment, tape players/recorders, phonographs, video cassette players/recorders, compact disc players/recorders, calculators, copiers and fax machines. The DTSC has determined that CED's contain toxic substances and should not be disposed of in landfills.

What You Can Do

The Bureau of Sanitation has established a number of permanent collection sites throughout the City, known as S.A.F.E. CENTERS. These S.A.F.E. CENTERS are open every weekend and provide a timely and convenient way to dispose of your residential, household e-waste. In addition, the Bureau of Sanitation's Residential Special Materials Collection Program sponsors periodic mobile collection events throughout the City, where residents can drop-off their unwanted household electronic equipment to be recycled and/or disposed properly. Residents are limited to a total of six pieces per visit to a SAFE Center. Of the six pieces, no more than two pieces can be CRT-related. Small items (mouses, cables, modems, cell phones, etc.) can be packed in a carton box and that carton will be considered one item.

Click here for the Collection Events Schedule

Warning: Disposing of household chemicals in your trash, storm drains or sewers damages the environment, and is AGAINST THE LAW. Illegal dumping carries a minimum fine of $5000 per day per violation up to $100,000 per day per violation or imprisonment (Section 25189.5, Health & Safety Code). The City of Los Angeles operates the "HAZMOBILE" drop-off program to provide for the safe and legal disposal of your unwanted household chemicals.