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Electronics

Includes: Answering Machines, Arcade Games, Audio Equipment, CD Players, CPUs, CRTs (Picture Tubes), Camcorders, Cameras, Cell Phones, Cellular Telephones, Computer Monitors, Computer Mouse, Computers, Cordless Phones, DVD players, Data Privacy Information, Electronic Games, Electronic Storage Devices, Fax Machines, Game Systems, Home Networking Devices, Keyboards, MP3 players, PDAs, Printers, Radios, Remote Controls - TV and Stereo, Rotary Phones, Satellite Receivers, Scanners, Smart Phones, Speakers, Stereo Receivers, Stereos, TVs, Tape Players, Telephones, Televisions, Typewriters, VCRs, Video Game Systems, Video and Digital Equipment

Rethink & Reduce Tips

• When purchasing new electronic equipment, ask if the retailer or manufacturer will take back your old equipment.
• Look for the ENERGY STAR certification when purchasing new electronics.

Choose To Reuse

Find local reuse opportunities by searching our online Choose to Reuse directory.

Reuse Tips

• See Donation Opportunities for reuse options.
• Call donation organizations first to make sure they will accept your electronic item. They may not accept electronics that are more than two to three years old.
• Protect your privacy by following the data security tips before donating or recycling electronic equipment.

Additional Resources

• RethinkRecycling.com - Electronics, TVs & Computers
• City of Minneapolis - Electronics Recycling for Minneapolis Residents
• Earth911.com - Recycling and disposal locations
• Choose To Reuse Directory
• Donation and Reuse Opportunities for Household Items
• Twin Cities Free Market

Accepted At These Hennepin County Facilities. Proof of residency required (MN drivers license or current utility bill).

• Bloomington Drop-off Facility
• Brooklyn Park Drop-off Facility

Item Accepted As: Electronic

No Fee

Item Limit: Up to 5 of each item type per household per 12 month period.

Electronic waste is any waste that has a circuit board or cathode ray tube (CRT). Electronics may contain lead, cadmium or mercury, which are harmful to human health and the environment.

It is illegal to put products containing a cathode ray tube (CRT) or fluorescent lamp, such as TVs and computer monitors, in the garbage.

Types of electronic waste

Hennepin County will accept up to five of each type, per 12-month period, per household.

Category	Accepted at drop-off facilities	Item types
Audio equipment	Accepted	Includes CD players, MP3 players, radios, speakers, stereos, stereo receivers, remote controls
Computers and peripherals	Accepted	Includes Monitors (CRT & LCD), laptops, CPUs, home netoworking devices, keyboards, mice, printers, scanners, data storage devices (USB and external hard drives), fax machines, typewriters, eletric cables and cords, insulated wire
Telephones	Accepted	Includes answering machines, cell phones,cordless phones, PDAs, smart phones
Televisions	Accepted	Includes CRT, LCD, projection, plasma, and their remote controls
Video equipment	Accepted	Includes camcorders, digital picture frames, DVD players, e-books, game systems, satellite receivers, remote controls, VCRs
Photocopiers (stand alone units)	Not accepted	See Photocopiers for disposal information.
Commercial sizes or types of electronics	Not accepted	Sizes or types of electronics that are not typically found in households. See the Resourceful Waste Management Guide or Hazardous Waste Disposal Companies factsheet for recycling options. Call 612-348-3777 for recycling options.

 

Data security

Hennepin County does not guarantee the security of data stored on electronic devices brought in for recycling. It's up to you to destroy data that you consider private or confidential.

Tips for protecting your privacy when recycling electronics:

• Prior to deleting information, backup or transfer any data you may need.
• Remove and destroy media, such as diskettes, CDs, or PC cards.
• Be aware that reformatting your disk drive or deleting files does not completely erase the data. For this reason, Hennepin County advises a more secure method of removal, such as using a disk-wiping software program.

Tips for protecting your privacy when recycling your cell phone:

• Deactivate your service
• Remove personal data
• Discharge the battery
• Turn off the power

Data security resources

To learn more, see the following articles from TechSoup:

• Avoid Data Theft: Clean Your Old Hard Drives
• Obliterate Hard-Drive Data with Disk-Wiping Software

Related items

Also see: Appliances, Media (audio, video, computer), Small Electric Items