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Electronics

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Welcome to the Vermont Electronics Recycling Program

Since 2011 Vermonters have been recycling instead of disposing of their electronic waste. The Vermont E-Cycles program provides FREE and convenient recycling of computers, monitors, televisions, printers and computer peripherals to residents, charities, school districts, and small businesses at locations across Vermont

Why does Vermont have an E-Cycles program?

  • Electronic devices contain toxic materials (including lead, mercury, and chromium) that should be managed responsibly as well as precious metals (such as gold) that should be recovered and recycled. 
  • Although electronic waste is a small component of all waste that is disposed, it is the fastest growing component of waste. Consider that in 1970, most households had only 1 TV and 0 computers. In 2008, 1.6 million pounds of electronics were recycled in Vermont. In 2015 the number climbed to more than 4.6 million pounds recycled!

E-Cycles Information

HOTLINE: 1-855-6ecycle (1-855-632-9253)

LAW: Vermont’s landfill disposal requirements makes it illegal to dispose of several materials, including many electronic devices. The Vermont E-Cycles statute provides for free and convenient collection of computers, monitors, printers, computer peripherals, and televisions for covered entities. The law has been in place since 2011.

WHO: Consumers, charities, school districts, and small businesses that employ 10 or fewer individuals can use the E-Cycles program for free. Other individuals who bring in seven (7) or fewer devices can also recycle at no charge. Manufacturers have been paying for the e-waste collection and recycling program since July 1, 2011.

WHAT: Computers (including tablets), monitors, printers, computer peripherals, and televisions are accepted at every location for free. 

Other electronics banned from disposal but not covered under the E-Cycles program include but aren’t limited to: game consoles, telephones, personal music players, VCRs, DVD players, and stereo equipment. These items aren’t necessarily accepted at all locations, and some locations charge a fee. 

WHERE: Call ahead and let them know what your are bringing to avoid surprises. For a list of locations click here. Or contact your solid waste authority, such as your Solid Waste District, for a wealth of information. 

DATA SECURITY: Are you worried about leaving data on your computer when recycling it? It’s up to you to remove any sensitive data from your computer before taking it to an E-Cycles collection location.

  • If you would like to purchase data security services from an E-Cycles site, take a look at the list of data security providers around the state.  
  • If you’d like to do it yourself, there are two basic ways to destroy your data: physically break the hard drive disks, or permanently erase it using disk wiping software. Do a web search for “how to permanently erase a hard drive” or visit this article to find out more. 

Contact Info and Resources

Becky Webber: (802) 522-3658 or rebecca.webber@vermont.gov

Find your local Solid Waste Entity at 802recycles

Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation
Waste Management & Prevention Division, E-Cycles Program 
1 National Life Drive, Davis 1
Montpelier, VT 05620-3704

Vermont E-Cycles Program Hotline 1-855-6ECYCLE (1-855-632-9253)