July 26, 2022
This article addresses current e-waste recycling options in the Houston area, as these programs and facilities can, and do change over time.
It is important that citizens recycle their e-waste, because electronics often contain hazardous materials; and with the ever-mounting volume of disposable e-waste those materials need to be kept out of the waste stream, and out of landfills and the environment.
Electronic products also include a variety of materials, including different metals, plastics, and glass, all of which require energy to mine and manufacture. Donating or recycling consumer electronics conserves natural resources and avoids air and water pollution, as well as greenhouse gas emissions that are caused by manufacturing from virgin materials.
The City of Houston offers 3 regular e-waste drop off sites: Westpark and the two Environmental Service Centers. The City also has two monthly drop off locations, one in Kingwood and one in Clear Lake. For location details and what is accepted at each location, consult the City's website: Electronics Recycling (houstontx.gov)
It is important that citizens recycle their e-waste, because electronics often contain hazardous materials; and with the ever-mounting volume of disposable e-waste those materials need to be kept out of the waste stream, and out of landfills and the environment.
Electronic products also include a variety of materials, including different metals, plastics, and glass, all of which require energy to mine and manufacture. Donating or recycling consumer electronics conserves natural resources and avoids air and water pollution, as well as greenhouse gas emissions that are caused by manufacturing from virgin materials.
The City of Houston offers 3 regular e-waste drop off sites: Westpark and the two Environmental Service Centers. The City also has two monthly drop off locations, one in Kingwood and one in Clear Lake. For location details and what is accepted at each location, consult the City's website: Electronics Recycling (houstontx.gov)
Texas also has manufacturer take-back laws for both computers and televisions. Below are links to locate manufacturers and locations.
Certain major retail stores offer recycling options and may be more convenient for drop offs. Staples and Best Buy offer fairly comprehensive e-waste recycling. Most of their e-waste recycling is free, but there might be a fee for some larger items - check the details at their websites. Note: Staples is a certified e-Stewards e-waste recycler, meaning that they adhere to international hazardous e-waste trade regulations. For more info about e-Stewards visit: The e-Stewards Story - e-Stewards
Staples e-waste recycling page:
Electronics and Appliances Recycling at Best Buy
One can also search for e-waste recycling sites using the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) website, which links to additional search tools: Electronics Donation and Recycling | US EPA
One can also search for e-waste recycling sites using the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) website, which links to additional search tools: Electronics Donation and Recycling | US EPA
NOTE: Some other recycling locations in the Houston-Galveston 13 County region may recycle some e-waste. Below is a link that provides a list of residential recycling drop off sites by county in the region (click on the county name in the column on the left).
Recycle Centers of Harris County (recycleinfo.org)
For questions or feedback on recycling matters, contact Frank Blake at frankblake@juno.com
For questions or feedback on recycling matters, contact Frank Blake at frankblake@juno.com