Is it free to recycle electronics? Usually, yes. In California, e-waste recyclers take most household electronics free, especially TVs, monitors and laptops, because a state fee paid at purchase helps cover the cost. A few items commonly carry a small fee, such as single-use batteries, fluorescent bulbs and some appliances.
At Dream E-Waste, standard electronics are free at all six of our San Diego County locations. This page lists the few exceptions, explains why they exist and tells you when you might pay somewhere else. If you are still deciding what goes and what stays, start with our guide on what to do with old electronics.
Which electronics are free to recycle and which cost money
So is it free to recycle electronics of every kind? Most of what people bring in is free. In fact, the fee items are mostly things that aren't electronics in the usual sense, like batteries, bulbs and appliances. Each Dream item page lists its own fee, so you can check before you go.
| Item | At most e-waste recyclers | At Dream E-Waste |
|---|---|---|
| TVs and monitors, including tube sets | Commonly free | Free at all six locations |
| Computers and laptops | Commonly free | Free at all six locations |
| Phones and tablets | Commonly free | Free at all six locations |
| Printers and scanners | Commonly free | Free at all six locations |
| Cables, chargers and small electronics | Commonly free | Free, except coax and fiber cable |
| Coax and fiber optic cable | Varies | Small fee, see the cable recycling page |
| Rechargeable batteries | Often free | Free at our three recycling centers |
| Single-use batteries (alkaline, button cells) | Often a small fee | Small fee, see the battery recycling page |
| Fluorescent bulbs and tubes | Often a small fee | Small fee, see the bulb recycling page |
| Loose ink and toner cartridges | Varies | Small fee, free inside a printer. See the printer recycling page |
| Microwaves, vacuums, mini fridges and large appliances | Often a small fee | Small fee, see the appliance recycling page |
| E-bikes and electric scooters | Varies | Small fee, see the bicycle recycling page |
| Damaged, swollen or leaking loose batteries | Often not accepted | Not accepted |
What about TVs and fee items at each site?
TVs are the item people worry about most. Approved collectors often take them free because they are covered devices under California's program, as explained below. Every TV we take is free, tube sets included, and our TV recycling page has the details.
Also, not every site takes every fee item. Our three drop-off locations (Miramar, Kearny Mesa and Oceanside) take electronics only. Instead, batteries go to our three recycling centers in Point Loma, Chula Vista and San Marcos. Bulbs, large appliances and e-bikes go to Point Loma or Chula Vista.
Why some electronics are free and others aren't
Whether it is free to recycle electronics comes down to who pays for the recycling. California runs a program for covered electronic devices. These are video display devices with a screen over 4 inches, measured diagonally, that are hazardous when thrown away. They include tube, LCD, LED, plasma and OLED TVs and monitors, plus laptops and tablets.
When you buy one of these new in California, the store adds a state electronic waste recycling fee at checkout. CalRecycle says plainly that the fee is not a deposit, so you don't get it back when you recycle. Instead, the money goes to approved collectors and recyclers to cover the cost of handling the device at the end of its life. CalRecycle pays approved recyclers, and they pass a recovery payment on to the approved collectors who took the devices in. CalRecycle explains the system on its electronic waste recycling fee page and its covered electronic waste page.
That payment is why screens and laptops are commonly free at approved collectors. But CalRecycle doesn't say collectors must be free, so some do charge. Items outside the program, like alkaline batteries, fluorescent bulbs and appliances, don't come with any state payment. A recycler still has to pay to process them safely, so many pass on a small fee.
Our battery page gives an honest example. The small fee on single-use batteries is what keeps rechargeable battery recycling free. Dream is an approved collector and recycler under California's program, with CEWID 127772.
When you'll pay, even for free electronics
Even when it is free to recycle electronics at the counter, a free item can still cost money if someone else does the work. These are the common cases.
Junk removal and haul-away
A junk removal company charges for the labor, the truck and the trip. In other words, you are paying for the pickup, not the recycling. Ask where the electronics end up, because a certified recycler is the safe destination.
Retailer take-back
Some stores take old electronics, often with limits on how many items you can bring per visit. Haul-away with a new TV delivery may also cost extra. Since policies change, check the store's own page before you go.
Pickup from your home
Our free e-waste pickup is for five or more computing devices. For example, that means computers, laptops, monitors, servers, printers and TVs. Cables, chargers, keyboards and other miscellaneous items are welcome on the same pickup, but they don't count toward the five. With fewer than five devices, drop off at any of our six locations instead.
Paperwork for a home drive
Also, we wipe and destroy the data on every data-bearing device we take by default, at no charge. If you want a certificate of destruction for a home drive, our laptop recycling page explains that residents pay a small fee for it, while business accounts get it free.
Other places to recycle electronics in San Diego and what they charge
Is it free to recycle electronics elsewhere in San Diego? You have other options, and fees vary. For example, the City of San Diego FAQ says the Miramar Recycling Center takes most electronic devices, at the Miramar Landfill entrance. It asks you to call 858-268-8971 for accepted items and fees. The same FAQ says many reputable San Diego companies recycle electronics "for free or nominal fees".
Another option, CalRecycle's eRecycle directory, lists approved collectors across the state. It advises asking about "any potential charges before loading up your vehicle". That is good advice for any recycler, including us.
How to avoid a surprise fee
- Check the price list first. Our item pages each list their own fee, so look up anything that isn't standard electronics.
- Check the site takes your item. Batteries, bulbs and appliances go to recycling centers, not the electronics-only drop-off locations.
- Leave cartridges in the printer. A cartridge inside the machine comes in with it at no extra cost. Only loose ones carry a fee.
- Bring batteries separated. Keep rechargeable and single-use batteries in different bags, since only single-use cells carry a fee.
- Don't bring damaged batteries. We can't take loose batteries that are swollen, leaking or damaged. Book an appointment at the City of San Diego Miramar Recycling Center through the City website instead. A damaged battery still inside a device is fine to bring.
- Ask when you are not sure. Call (619) 889-1305 before you load the car.
Ready to drop it off?
Most electronics are free at our free e-waste drop-off locations, with no appointment needed. Check the items we recycle before you go, or call if you're unsure about something.
Frequently asked questions
Do you have to pay to recycle electronics in California?
Usually not for TVs, monitors, computers, laptops and phones. Many e-waste recyclers take them free, partly because the state collects a fee when stores sell screens and laptops. You may pay a small fee for single-use batteries, bulbs, loose cartridges and some appliances, or for someone to collect from your home.
Why did a recycler charge me for batteries?
Single-use batteries cost money to process, and the state payment that helps fund screen recycling doesn't cover them. So many recyclers charge a small fee to cover handling. With us, rechargeable batteries stay free, and we weigh only single-use cells for the fee. Bag the two types separately to keep things quick.
Didn't I already pay a recycling fee when I bought my TV?
Yes, if you bought it new in California. The store adds a state electronic waste recycling fee at purchase for TVs, monitors, laptops and tablets. It isn't a deposit, so you don't get it back. It funds payments to approved recyclers and collectors, which is one reason screens are commonly free to recycle.
Do recyclers charge more for broken electronics?
Usually not. A broken device goes through the same process as a working one, so recyclers normally handle cracked screens, dead laptops and printers that won't power on like any other item. However, damaged batteries are the exception. Many recyclers, including us, can't accept loose batteries that are swollen, leaking or damaged.
Is it free to recycle a TV?
Often, yes, at approved e-waste collectors. TVs are covered devices under California's program, so many collectors take them free. We take every TV free, including tube and projection sets. Junk removal companies and some retailers may still charge for collecting the set from your home.
