Skip to page content
  • Go to the main menu
  • Go to the search form
Metro

Main menu

▼
Open menu
▲
Close menu
  • Parks + Venues
    +
    Open this submenu
    −
    Close this submenu
    • Parks
      +
      Open this submenu
      −
      Close this submenu
      • Oxbow Regional Park
        +
        Open this submenu
        −
        Close this submenu
        • Camping at Oxbow
      • Blue Lake Regional Park
      • Smith and Bybee Wetlands Natural Area
      • Graham Oaks Nature Park
      • Cooper Mountain Nature Park
      • Mount Talbert Nature Park
      • Scouters Mountain Nature Park
      • Chehalem Ridge Nature Park
      • Canemah Bluff Nature Park
      • Newell Creek Canyon Nature Park
      • Orenco Woods Nature Park
      • Killin Wetlands Nature Park
      • Howell Territorial Park
      • Mason Hill Park
      • Broughton Beach
      • Glendoveer Golf Course and Nature Trail
      • Farmington Paddle Launch
      • Boat ramps
        +
        Open this submenu
        −
        Close this submenu
        • Chinook Landing Marine Park
        • M. James Gleason Memorial Boat Ramp
        • Sauvie Island Boat Ramp

      • Parks and nature activities
        +
        Open this submenu
        −
        Close this submenu
        • Guided nature activities
        • Nature learning resources
      • Picnics and special use
        +
        Open this submenu
        −
        Close this submenu
        • Picnics at Blue Lake
        • Picnics at Oxbow
        • Picnics at Graham Oaks
        • Picnics at Mount Talbert
        • Picnics at Scouters Mountain
        • Picnics at Chehalem Ridge
        • Picnics at Howell
        • Caterers and amusement providers
        • Special use permits
      • Water safety
      • Pets policy
      • Hunting policy
    • Venues
      +
      Open this submenu
      −
      Close this submenu
      • Oregon Convention Center
        +
        Open this submenu
        −
        Close this submenu
        • Oregon Convention Center hotel
          +
          Open this submenu
          −
          Close this submenu
          • Jobs and job training
          • Economic impact
          • Global reach
          • Hotel progress
      • Oregon Zoo
      • Portland Expo Center
        +
        Open this submenu
        −
        Close this submenu
        • Expo Future project
      • Portland'5 Centers for the Arts
    • Historic cemeteries
      +
      Open this submenu
      −
      Close this submenu
      • Services and fees
      • Visit the cemeteries
      • History of Metro's cemeteries

      • Brainard Cemetery
      • Columbia Pioneer Cemetery
      • Douglass Cemetery
      • Escobar Cemetery
      • Grand Army of the Republic Cemetery
      • Gresham Pioneer Cemetery
      • Jones Cemetery
      • Lone Fir Cemetery
        +
        Open this submenu
        −
        Close this submenu
        • Chestnut Grove Memorial Garden
      • Mountain View Corbett Cemetery
      • Mountain View Stark Cemetery
      • Multnomah Park Cemetery
      • Pleasant Home Cemetery
      • Powell Grove Cemetery
      • White Birch Cemetery
    • man and boy walking on trail at Oxbow Regional Park
      Buy a parks pass
  • Tools + Services
    +
    Open this submenu
    −
    Close this submenu
    • Tools for Living
      +
      Open this submenu
      −
      Close this submenu
      • Garbage and recycling
        +
        Open this submenu
        −
        Close this submenu
        • Find a recycler
        • Find your hauler
        • Metro Central transfer station
        • Metro South transfer station
          +
          Open this submenu
          −
          Close this submenu
          • Metro South trash cam
        • Code of conduct
        • Prep your load and pay less
        • Recycling at home
          +
          Open this submenu
          −
          Close this submenu
          • Home recycling collection
          • Glass
          • Metal
          • Plastic
          • Paper
          • Christmas tree recycling
        • Reducing waste at home
          +
          Open this submenu
          −
          Close this submenu
          • Waste-wise holidays
          • Stop junk mail
          • Back to school tips
        • Neighborhood collection events
          +
          Open this submenu
          −
          Close this submenu
          • 2023 neighborhood collection event schedule
        • Report dumped garbage
          +
          Open this submenu
          −
          Close this submenu
          • RID Patrol work transition program
          • Bag program
        • Ask an expert
      • Healthy home
        +
        Open this submenu
        −
        Close this submenu
        • Common hazardous products
          +
          Open this submenu
          −
          Close this submenu
          • Adhesives and glues
          • Aerosols
          • Air fresheners and deodorizers
          • Ammunition
          • Antifreeze
          • Arts and crafts supplies
          • Asbestos
          • Batteries, auto
          • Batteries, household
          • Bleach
          • Brake fluid
          • Carpet and rug cleaners
          • Chemistry sets
          • Cleaners, all-purpose
          • Degreasers
          • Detergents, dishwashing or laundry
          • Disinfectants
          • Drain cleaners
          • Fertilizers, chemical
          • Fingernail polish and remover
          • Flea control
          • Gasoline, kerosene and diesel fuel
          • Hair products
          • Hand cleaners, mechanic or painter
          • Lighter fluid, charcoal
          • Lubricating oils
          • Medicines, unwanted or expired drugs
          • Mercury- and PCB-containing items
          • Moss killer
          • Mothballs and moth crystals
          • Motor oil and oil filters
          • Oven cleaners
          • Paint and clear wood finish
          • Paint strippers or paint scrapings
          • Paint thinners
          • Paint, water-based
          • Pesticides
          • Photographic chemicals
          • Polishes and cleaners, metal
          • Polishes and waxes, wood furniture and floors
          • Polishes, cleaners or waxes, automotive
          • Polishes, shoe
          • Pool or spa chemicals
          • Septic tank cleaners
          • Sharps or medical waste
          • Smoke detectors, ionizing type
          • Soot remover or creosote destroyer
          • Stain and spot removers
          • Transmission fluid
          • Windshield wiper solution
          • Wood preservatives
        • Green cleaning
          +
          Open this submenu
          −
          Close this submenu
          • Air fresheners and deodorizers
          • All-purpose cleaners
          • Aluminum cleaners
          • Antiseptic soap spray
          • Bathroom soft scrub
          • Bronze, brass and copper cleaner
          • Chrome cleaner
          • Coffee maker cleaner
          • Countertop and appliance top cleaner
          • Dish soap
          • Disinfectants
          • Drain cleaner
          • Floor cleaners
          • Glass and window cleaners
          • Hand cleaner
          • Laundry bleach
          • Laundry cleaners
          • Leather cleaner
          • Oven cleaners
          • Scouring powder and paste
          • Silver cleaners
          • Spot and stain removers
          • Toilet bowl cleaners
          • Tub and tile cleaner
          • Urine stain removers
          • Wall cleaner
          • Wallpaper cleaner
          • Wet spotter
          • Windshield wiper fluid
          • Wood cleaners
          • Wood furniture polish
        • Home pest control
          +
          Open this submenu
          −
          Close this submenu
          • Ants
          • Asthma, pests and pesticides
          • Cockroaches
          • Fleas and ticks
          • Fruit flies
          • Mice and rats
          • Moths
          • Spiders
        • Buying safer cleaners
        • Storm and fire cleanup
        • Online learning
        • MetroPaint
          +
          Open this submenu
          −
          Close this submenu
          • Retail locations
          • Colors and product information
          • MetroPaint Swan Island Outlet
          • MetroPaint virtual painter
            +
            Open this submenu
            −
            Close this submenu
            • Living room
            • Bedroom
            • Dining room
            • Entrance
            • Upload a photo
      • Yard and garden
        +
        Open this submenu
        −
        Close this submenu
        • Learning gardens
        • Garden basics
          +
          Open this submenu
          −
          Close this submenu
          • Soil amendments
          • Mulch matters
          • Soil prep for your edible garden
          • Watering tips
        • Garden problems
          +
          Open this submenu
          −
          Close this submenu
          • Azalea lace bug
          • Aphids
          • Cabbage butterflies and leaf miners
          • Mosquitoes
          • Moles, voles and gophers
          • Slugs and snails
          • Yellowjackets
          • Wildlife issues
          • Lawn moss
          • Black spot, rust and rot
          • Powdery mildew
          • Weeds
          • Proper disposal of pesticides
        • Lawn
          +
          Open this submenu
          −
          Close this submenu
          • Mow
          • Grow
          • Water
          • Weed
          • Lawn alternatives
        • Plants
          +
          Open this submenu
          −
          Close this submenu
          • Native plants
          • Plant a shrub
          • Plant a tree
          • Fall and winter gardening
          • Growing roses
          • Getting started with edibles
        • Backyard habitat
          +
          Open this submenu
          −
          Close this submenu
          • Beneficial bugs
          • Pollinators
          • Protecting songbirds
          • Feeding and caring for wildlife
        • Composting
          +
          Open this submenu
          −
          Close this submenu
          • Composting methods
          • Tips for composting success
          • Compost trouble-shooting
          • Build a compost bin
          • Worm composting
          • Worm bin trouble-shooting
        • Grow Smart, Grow Safe
        • Garden pledge
    • Tools for working
      +
      Open this submenu
      −
      Close this submenu
      • Asbestos information for transfer station customers
      • Guide to construction salvage and recycling
      • Guide to managing paint waste
      • Guide to recycling and waste reduction at work
        +
        Open this submenu
        −
        Close this submenu
        • Guide to choosing single-use service ware
      • Business hazardous waste disposal program
        +
        Open this submenu
        −
        Close this submenu
        • Business hazardous waste disposal signup
      • Reducing food waste
        +
        Open this submenu
        −
        Close this submenu
        • Preventing food waste
        • Donating food
        • Composting food scraps
          +
          Open this submenu
          −
          Close this submenu
          • Composting options outside the Portland metropolitan area
        • Food scraps separation policy
      • Regional contractor's business license
        +
        Open this submenu
        −
        Close this submenu
        • Contractor's business license application and renewal
        • Contractor's business license lookup
      • Tools for haulers and facility operators
        +
        Open this submenu
        −
        Close this submenu
        • Accounts for haulers
        • Construction waste
        • Special waste disposal
        • Regional solid waste facilities
        • Solid waste tonnage dashboard
        • Forms for solid waste facilities
        • Rules, procedures and guidance
          +
          Open this submenu
          −
          Close this submenu
          • Recycling facility standards
        • Solid Waste Information System
        • Solid waste authorizations
          +
          Open this submenu
          −
          Close this submenu
          • Solid waste facility complaint form
          • License for Grimm’s Fuel Company
            +
            Open this submenu
            −
            Close this submenu
            • Updates
        • Public notices for garbage and recycling facilities
      • Travel options for employers
    • Tools for Partners
      +
      Open this submenu
      −
      Close this submenu
      • Grants and resources
        +
        Open this submenu
        −
        Close this submenu
        • Nature grants
          +
          Open this submenu
          −
          Close this submenu
          • Capital grants
            +
            Open this submenu
            −
            Close this submenu
            • Habitat restoration
            • Land acquisition
            • Neighborhood livability
            • Urban transformations
          • Nature education grants
          • Community stewardship and restoration grants
        • Large-scale community visions
        • Local share
        • Parks and Nature community partnerships
        • Community enhancement grants
          +
          Open this submenu
          −
          Close this submenu
          • Metro Central Enhancement Grants
        • Community Placemaking grants
          +
          Open this submenu
          −
          Close this submenu
          • How to apply
          • 2023 grantees
          • 2022 grantees
          • 2021 grantees
          • 2020 grantees
          • 2019 grantees
          • 2018 grantees
          • 2017 grantees
        • Civic engagement grants
        • 2040 planning and development grants
          +
          Open this submenu
          −
          Close this submenu
          • Past grant cycles
        • Regional Refresh Fund
          +
          Open this submenu
          −
          Close this submenu
          • Frequently asked questions
        • Regional Travel Options program
          +
          Open this submenu
          −
          Close this submenu
          • Safe Routes to School program
            +
            Open this submenu
            −
            Close this submenu
            • Safe Routes to School safety campaign toolkit
        • Investment and Innovation grants
          +
          Open this submenu
          −
          Close this submenu
          • 2021-22 Capital grants
          • 2021-22 Program grants
          • 2020-21 Program grants
          • 2019-20 Capital grants
          • 2019-20 Program grants
          • 2018-19 Grants
        • Brownfields assessment grants
          +
          Open this submenu
          −
          Close this submenu
          • Background
        • Transit-Oriented Development Program
        • Sponsorship opportunities
      • Guides and tools
        +
        Open this submenu
        −
        Close this submenu
        • Designing livable streets and trails
          +
          Open this submenu
          −
          Close this submenu
          • Conversations about performance-based design
        • Local transportation system plans
        • Jurisdictional transfer assessment
        • Mobility Corridors Atlas
        • Safe Routes to School Framework
        • Guide to equitable housing
          +
          Open this submenu
          −
          Close this submenu
          • Build Small Coalition
        • Planning parks with communities of color
        • Community Investment Toolkit
        • Regional Barometer
        • Greater Portland Economic Recovery Plan
        • Economic Value Atlas
        • Site readiness toolkit
      • Education resources
        +
        Open this submenu
        −
        Close this submenu
        • Resource conservation and recycling education
          +
          Open this submenu
          −
          Close this submenu
          • Elementary school classroom presentations
          • Middle and high school classroom presentations
          • Distance learning
            +
            Open this submenu
            −
            Close this submenu
            • Elementary online learning
            • Middle and high school online learning
            • Community and family online education
          • Publication library
          • Community workshops and events
          • Meet the educators
      • Data Resource Center
        +
        Open this submenu
        −
        Close this submenu
        • RLIS Live
        • Aerial photography
          +
          Open this submenu
          −
          Close this submenu
          • Regional Aerial Photo Consortium
        • Annexation and boundary changes
          +
          Open this submenu
          −
          Close this submenu
          • Annexation search tool
        • Unmanned Aircraft System program
    • Small thumbnail of a Metro map
      Regional Land Information System
  • What's Happening
    +
    Open this submenu
    −
    Close this submenu
    • Metro News
      +
      Open this submenu
      −
      Close this submenu
      • All Metro news
      • Land and transportation news
      • Parks and nature news
      • Home and garbage news
      • Venues news
      • Regional Snapshots
    • Public projects
      +
      Open this submenu
      −
      Close this submenu
      • Affordable housing bond program
        +
        Open this submenu
        −
        Close this submenu
        • Progress
        • Site acquisition
        • Background
        • Racial equity
        • Oversight
      • Supportive housing services
        +
        Open this submenu
        −
        Close this submenu
        • Progress
        • Racial equity
        • Regional coordination
        • Funding
        • Oversight
        • Stories
        • Common questions
      • Supportive housing services tax
        +
        Open this submenu
        −
        Close this submenu
        • Pay your tax
        • 2021 penalty waiver
        • Tax information
        • Codes and rules
      • 2023 Regional Transportation Plan
        +
        Open this submenu
        −
        Close this submenu
        • Building the plan
        • Engagement
        • Projects
        • Transit
        • Climate
        • Research
      • Greater Portland cleanup
        +
        Open this submenu
        −
        Close this submenu
        • Project highlights
      • 82nd Avenue transit project
        +
        Open this submenu
        −
        Close this submenu
        • Background
      • Tualatin Valley Highway transit project
        +
        Open this submenu
        −
        Close this submenu
        • Background
      • Tigard River Terrace urban growth boundary exchange
        +
        Open this submenu
        −
        Close this submenu
        • Background
      • Nature in Neighborhoods community choice grants
        +
        Open this submenu
        −
        Close this submenu
        • Share project ideas
        • How it works
      • Honoring untold stories at Lone Fir Cemetery
      • Parks and nature investments
        +
        Open this submenu
        −
        Close this submenu
        • About
        • History
        • Funding
        • Vision
        • Equity
        • Oversight
        • Leadership
      • Parks and nature bond measure
        +
        Open this submenu
        −
        Close this submenu
        • Bond progress
        • Background
        • Community engagement
        • Protect and restore land
      • Regional TSMO strategy
        +
        Open this submenu
        −
        Close this submenu
        • Equity
        • TSMO Resources
        • Meetings
      • Regional flexible funding for transportation
        +
        Open this submenu
        −
        Close this submenu
        • 2025-27 RFFA
        • Background
      • Regional mobility policy update
        +
        Open this submenu
        −
        Close this submenu
        • Background
      • Blue Lake Regional Park improvements
        +
        Open this submenu
        −
        Close this submenu
        • Background
        • Project updates
      • St. Johns Prairie bike and pedestrian trail
      • Garbage and recycling system facilities plan
        +
        Open this submenu
        −
        Close this submenu
        • Background
        • Engagement
        • Values and outcomes
      • Metro's commitment to Black lives
        +
        Open this submenu
        −
        Close this submenu
        • Policing
    • Calendar
      +
      Open this submenu
      −
      Close this submenu
      • calendar pictogram
        View meetings and events
    • Subscribe
      +
      Open this submenu
      −
      Close this submenu
      • newspaper pictogram
        Get news by email
  • About Metro
    +
    Open this submenu
    −
    Close this submenu
    • Regional leadership
      +
      Open this submenu
      −
      Close this submenu
      • What is Metro?
        +
        Open this submenu
        −
        Close this submenu
        • Cities and counties in the region
      • Metro Council
        +
        Open this submenu
        −
        Close this submenu
        • Council President Lynn Peterson
        • Councilor Ashton Simpson
        • Councilor Christine Lewis
        • Councilor Gerritt Rosenthal
        • Councilor Juan Carlos González
        • Councilor Mary Nolan
        • Councilor Duncan Hwang

        • How to give testimony
        • Find your councilor
      • Metro Auditor
        +
        Open this submenu
        −
        Close this submenu
        • About the Metro Auditor
          +
          Open this submenu
          −
          Close this submenu
          • Mission and authority
          • Process
          • Auditing standards
          • Audit Committee
        • Audits
          +
          Open this submenu
          −
          Close this submenu
          • Audit recommendations
        • Accountability Hotline
      • Metropolitan Exposition Recreation Commission
        +
        Open this submenu
        −
        Close this submenu
        • Commissioners
        • Materials archive
      • Metro advisory committees
        +
        Open this submenu
        −
        Close this submenu
        • Committee on Racial Equity
          +
          Open this submenu
          −
          Close this submenu
          • Committee on Racial Equity application
          • Meet the members
        • Joint Policy Advisory Committee on Transportation
          +
          Open this submenu
          −
          Close this submenu
          • Meeting materials archive
        • Metro Policy Advisory Committee
          +
          Open this submenu
          −
          Close this submenu
          • Meeting materials archive
        • Metro Technical Advisory Committee
          +
          Open this submenu
          −
          Close this submenu
          • MTAC community member application
        • Public Engagement Review Committee
        • Regional Waste Advisory Committee
        • Smith and Bybee Wetlands Advisory Committee
        • Transit-Oriented Development Steering Committee
        • Transportation Policy Alternatives Committee
          +
          Open this submenu
          −
          Close this submenu
          • TPAC materials archive
          • TransPort
      • Diversity, equity and inclusion
        +
        Open this submenu
        −
        Close this submenu
        • Know your rights
          +
          Open this submenu
          −
          Close this submenu
          • Complaint procedures
        • Accessibility at Metro
          +
          Open this submenu
          −
          Close this submenu
          • Request an accommodation
          • Accessibility plans
          • Website accessibility
          • File an ADA complaint
        • Language hub
          +
          Open this submenu
          −
          Close this submenu
          • Arabic
          • Cambodian
          • Chinese
          • Hmong
          • Japanese
          • Korean
          • Laotian
          • Nepali
          • Persian
          • Romanian
          • Russian
          • Somali
          • Spanish
          • Tagalog
          • Ukrainian
          • Vietnamese
        • Public engagement
        • Equity Dashboard
          +
          Open this submenu
          −
          Close this submenu
          • Workforce demographics
          • Job classifications
          • Employment status
          • Payscale
          • Recruitment
          • Retention
        • Construction Career Pathways
      • Public records
    • How Metro works
      +
      Open this submenu
      −
      Close this submenu
      • Organizational structure
      • Finances and funding
        +
        Open this submenu
        −
        Close this submenu
        • Financial reports
        • Metro budget
        • Property tax information
        • Income tax information
      • Metro Code
        +
        Open this submenu
        −
        Close this submenu
        • Metro administrative rules
      • Green Metro
        +
        Open this submenu
        −
        Close this submenu
        • Green Metro featured projects
      • Contract opportunities
        +
        Open this submenu
        −
        Close this submenu
        • Current requests for bids and proposals
        • Doing business with Metro
          +
          Open this submenu
          −
          Close this submenu
          • Payment information
          • Large construction contracts
        • Equity in contracting
      • Jobs
        +
        Open this submenu
        −
        Close this submenu
        • How to apply
        • Benefits
        • Pay
          +
          Open this submenu
          −
          Close this submenu
          • Classification descriptions
        • Labor unions
        • Diversity and equity
        • Training and development
        • Veterans' preference
        • First Opportunity program
        • Internships
          +
          Open this submenu
          −
          Close this submenu
          • Applying for internships
          • Types of internships
          • Garbage and recycling internships
        • Variable hour jobs
    • Library
      +
      Open this submenu
      −
      Close this submenu
      • Land use shelf
      • Transportation shelf
      • Nature shelf
      • Garbage and recycling shelf
      • Regional research shelf
      • Archives and special collections
    • photo of boats at Blue Lake
      Metro by the numbers

Search form

Metro News

Subscribe
used can of paint being held by a hazardous waste technician

When garbage is hazardous

Handling hazardous products when they become trash

 
  • Tagalog

When gadgets become garbage: How to recycle electronics

two children learning to build a computer
Gigi and Max Bareilles learn how to build a computer at Free Geek, where retired electronic devices get a second life.
Gigi and Max Bareilles learn how to build a computer at Free Geek in Southeast Portland. Free Geek is a nonprofit that refurbishes old computers into new ones, and recycles what can't be reused.
employee of Free Geek sorting through bags of donated electronics
Free Geek staffer Ron Spray sorts through some electronics recently dropped off.
computer circuit board
The circuit boards inside computers contain valuable materials, such as gold and silver, that can be extracted and reused.
Circuit boards contain valuable precious metals, including gold, silver and palladium.
box filled with electronics power cords to be recycled
Cords are valuable in the recycling market because of the copper they contain.
bin filled with scrap metal from electronics to be recycled
Salvaging scrap metal from discarded electronics adds up. It reduces toxins in our landfills and the recycled metal can be reused to make new things.
Oregon E-Cyclers recycle steel, copper, hard plastics and other materials.
donated computer monitors being tested on a testing bench
Monitors donated to Free Geek are plugged in and tested.
rebuilt computers stacked on a shelf at Free Geek
Free Geek rebuilds computers to the same specifications and run on open source software.
a computer hard drive being rendered inaccessible by punching a hole through it with a specialized tool
At Free Geek, if data cannot be securely removed from hard drives, holes are punched in them to render the data inaccessible.
  • ‹
  • ›
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 6
  • 7
  • 8
Metro logo

When gadgets become garbage: How to recycle electronics

By Rebecca Koffman
April 12, 2017 9:08 a.m.

Bylined articles are written by Metro writers and do not necessarily represent the opinions of Metro or the Metro Council. Learn more

Quick! How many electronic products do you have? Televisions, cell phones, computers, tablets, game consoles, e-readers, fitness trackers, programmable thermostats – they add up. According to the Consumer Technology Association, in 2013 the average American household owned 24 consumer electronics products.

And according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, these products are the fastest-growing component of what Americans are throwing away.

That’s a problem. Products like computers, TVs and cell phones contain toxic metals, including lead, cadmium and mercury. In the garbage, those metals can be released, polluting air and water, and putting people and the environment at risk.

computer circuit board
The circuit boards inside computers contain valuable materials, such as gold and silver, that can be extracted and reused.

These products also contain many valuable materials – aluminum and steel, precious metals like gold, and rare earth elements – that can be extracted and reused, but only if they’re not languishing in the landfill or gathering dust in a forgotten corner of a closet.

In fact, says Patrick Morgan of Metro’s Recycling Information Center, in Oregon it is illegal to put TVs, computers, laptops or monitors in the garbage. People doing so knowingly may be fined. Instead, these products must be recycled.

Here are some tips on how to safely dispose of anything with a battery or a cord – and extend their useful lives.

Recycle televisions, computers and other items free of charge

Free recycling for some items

It’s illegal to put TVs, monitors and computers - including desktops, laptops and tablets - in the garbage. But you can recycle them for free at locations around the region, along with printers, keyboards and mice.

Find recyclers

Oregon E-Cycles is a statewide program funded by manufacturers that provides safe recycling of a range of electronics. You can take up to seven items covered under the program to a participating collection site and recycle them for free. Some locations also accept additional items, such as speakers, scanners or game consoles, but may charge a fee for those. You can find collection locations and information about what’s accepted on the Oregon E-Cycles website.

All Oregon E-Cycles recyclers are required to follow a set of best practices for worker safety and environmental protection. In some cases you may need to erase your own hard drives to protect your privacy. But, says Morgan, some recyclers will give a guarantee of information destruction.

In addition to E-Cycles drop-off sites, many manufacturers provide take-back programs. Some offer free shipping or gift cards if your device can be reused or refurbished.

Of course, donating a TV, computer or gadget that is still in good working condition ensures the longest use of the resources that made them. Wipe your personal data from any devices before delivering them to a nonprofit drop box.

Most cell phones are not ending up at recyclers

Cell phones are a gold mine. Really. According to the EPA, for every one million smart phones recycled, 75 pounds of gold, 772 pounds of silver, 33 pounds of palladium and more than 35,000 pounds of copper can be reused.

But only a small percentage of cell phones are actually recycled – numbers range between 10 and 14 percent – meaning that many of them are most likely gathering dust in drawers or ending up in the trash can.

You can extend a phone’s useful life by selling or donating it. Morgan recommends removing the SIM card and SD card first and then looking online for instructions for removing any remaining data.

And don’t forget to donate, recycle or sell the charger along with the phone.

Other household gadgets can also be recycled

What to do with your old clock radio, shorted-out toaster, busted vacuum cleaner, broken blender or outdated game console?

It’s not illegal to put these in the trash, says Morgan, but they all contain valuable materials that can be extracted and reused. Think aluminum, steel, plastic and so on.

For items that aren’t in good enough shape to donate, a range of facilities around greater Portland accept them for recycling. It’s also worth checking whether a manufacturer has a take-back program.

But whatever you do, says Tiffany Gates, solid waste planner with Metro’s Regional Illegal Dumping Patrol, “please, please, don’t put them on the curb, or on the corner.” Metro’s patrol cleans up 3,000 dump sites a year. If you want to offer things to the community, she says, keep them within your yard or advertise using websites like Craigslist, Freecycle or Nextdoor.

Your old refrigerator needs special treatment

When it comes to disposing of defunct appliances, certain ones, like refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners, and water-coolers, are in a special category. Because they contain Freon, a coolant that is toxic when released into the atmosphere, they must be handled with care. And as with some electronics, Morgan says, it’s also illegal in Oregon to put coolant-containing appliances in the trash.

Find recycling options for electronics and appliances

Portland nonprofit turns old computers into new ones

two children learning to build a computer
Gigi and Max Bareilles learn how to build a computer at Free Geek, where retired electronic devices get a second life.

Oregon E-Cycles coordinates a network of locations where people can drop off electronics covered under the program free of charge. Free Geek in Southeast Portland is one of those collection sites.

Free Geek rose out of two challenges. One was the need to recycle unwanted computer equipment. The other was the need for affordable computers, and the knowledge to use them. “So we pointed those problems towards each other,” says Colleen Dixon, Free Geek’s director of development and public services.

Free Geek takes in around 1.25 million pounds a year of electronics from individuals and also from institutions like universities. Many devices, ranging from computers and cell phones to game consoles, are refurbished on-site with the help of a volunteer crew. Those products are then either donated to other nonprofits or made available for purchase. Those that can’t be reused are recycled.

In exchange for their work, volunteers get a free computer, education and tech support. Free Geek also offers computer classes on site and at other locations around town.

 

Previous: Part 3

A lot of building materials, like ceiling panels, duct tape, vinyl flooring, and even glue, can contain asbestos. But a lot don’t. Getting a test to know what’s contaminated is the first step.
Related stories 
7 things to keep out of your recycling bin
Plastic bags

7 things to keep out of your recycling bin

Read more

Spoiler alert: Reduce food waste at home
green apples and bananas in a bowl

Spoiler alert: Reduce food waste at home

Read more

Where does your garbage go? The journey of trash
photo of a landfill

Where does your garbage go? The journey of trash

Read more

 

Footer Menu

▼
Open menu
▲
Close menu
  • Services of Metro
    +
    Open this submenu
    −
    Close this submenu
    • Oregon Zoo
    • Oregon Convention Center
    • Portland Expo Center
    • Portland'5 Centers for the Arts
    • Data Resource Center
    • Garbage and recycling facilities
    • Metro cemeteries
  • Opportunities
    +
    Open this submenu
    −
    Close this submenu
    • Jobs
    • Contracts
    • Grants
    • Franchising and licensing
  • Access
    +
    Open this submenu
    −
    Close this submenu
    • Know your rights
    • Accessibility at Metro
    • Language assistance
    • Feedback and questions
    • Metro Accountability Hotline
    • Privacy policy
    • Request public records
    • Directions
  • Leadership
    +
    Open this submenu
    −
    Close this submenu
    • Metro Council
    • Metro Auditor
    • MERC
    • Committees
    • Who's my councilor?

Metro logo

Whether your roots in the region run generations deep or you moved to Oregon last week, you have your own reasons for loving this place – and Metro wants to keep it that way. Help shape the future of the greater Portland region and discover tools, services and places that make life better today.

Contact Metro

  • 503-797-1700
  • 503-797-1804 TDD
  • Send a message

Connect with Metro

Subscribe to Metro News

More subscription options

Find Metro on

Facebook Twitter YouTube LinkedIn Instagram