FREE PERMANENT HAZARDOUS WASTE AND ELECTRONICS RECYCLING DROP-OFF FACILITY FOR ALL LA COUNTY RESIDENTS -OPEN EVERY FRIDAY, SATURDAY AND SUNDAY (EXCEPT HOLIDAYS AND RAINY DAYS) IN SAN PEDRO FROM 9AM TO 3PM (click here for a .pdf flyer)
Electronics, such as computer monitors, printers, stereos, VCRs, cell phones and TVs can be recycled. In fact, they must be. More than 40% of all the lead that leaks out at our landfills and contaminates our land and water comes from electronics thrown in the trash. New legislation has ruled that all electronics are now considered a form of hazardous waste. Electronics contain lead, mercury, heavy metals, and other dangerous materials that can harm the environment.
Because of this new designation, we can no longer include computer monitors or TV sets in the large item collection program, and no electronic materials can be disposed of with regular trash.
Check here for a full list of electronic and hazardous items banned from the trash. These items must be safely disposed of or recycled. Here are the options:
1. Electronics are included for free recycling or safe disposal at the regular Household Hazardous Waste Collections run by the County. These free periodic events occur at least once a month in the South Bay area. Click here for the schedule of upcoming collection events, or call 1-800-238-0173. These events are for residents only, not businesses.
2. There is a free, permanent drop-off facility that all Los Angeles County residents can use for recycling or safe disposal of electronics and other hazardous wastes.
S.A.F.E. Collection Center
1400 N. Gaffey Street
San Pedro
Open every Friday, Saturday and Sunday 9 am to 3 pm except holidays and rainy days
For additional information, call 1-800-98-TOXIC (1-800-988-6942)
Or try http://www.lacity.org/san/safe.htm
3. Walser's Art Supply is a certified drop off for electronics recycling. They will accept materials from both residents and businesses. Please click here for their (.pdf) flyer for their location, drop-off times, and other restrictions.
4. There are companies that specialize in recycling electronics, and their services are available to both residents and businesses. Pick up of materials may be available for a fee. Please call ahead for information. The closest companies for collection and drop-off of electronics recycling are the following:
SoCal Computer Recyclers
1430 W. 240th St. Harbor City
1-310-626-8180 or http://www.socalrecyclers.com/
HMR
17100 Margay Avenue, Carson
1-310-329-3458
Nxtcycle
15141 Figueroa, Gardena
1-310-329-9700 or http://www.nxtcycle.com/
5. Donations are a possibility.
SCROC says they will take computer monitors (working ones only), but they cannot take TVs. Donations must be dropped-off; no pick up is provided. Residents/Businesses can call 1-310-224-4312 to set up their donation.
El Camino College will also take computer monitors in working condition only if they were made after 1997. Contact Wendy Kahan in the Electronics Department at 1-310-660-3611 to make a donation.
Another option for businesses needing to recycle electronics or hazardous materials is the Conditionally Exempt Small Quantity Generator Program. For information, please call 1-800-98-TOXIC / 1-800-988-6942 or 1-213-473-8277 or to link to their site, click here.
Businesses can also donate usable electronics through LA Shares, a non-profit organization that offers donated materials from businesses directly to schools for reuse. Call LA Shares at 1-213-485-1097 or click here for their website.
For more information, call the City of Torrance Public Works Department at 1-310-781-6900.
