Electronics Recycling
What You Need To Know
- Click here to jump to VT e-waste law details.
- Visit the VT Registered Collection Facilities page to see the current listing of all Vermont sites accepting e-waste.
Step 1: Determine if you are a “covered entity.” Here’s who is eligible for free disposal under Vermont’s e-waste law:
- VT residents (permanent or seasonal)
- VT school districts
- VT businesses with 10 or fewer employees (includes government agencies)
- VT 501(c)(3) charities
If you do not fall in one of these categories, you will be subject to the fees listed under “Entities not Covered” in the chart below.
Step 2: Check the chart below to verify that the item you have is eligible for free disposal, or to see the fee you will pay.
Step 3:
- If you have less than 1 cubic yard of electronics to dispose of, bring your items to any CSWD Drop-Off Center.
- If you have more than one cubic yard of electronics, please call (802) 872-8111 to schedule an appointment at CSWD’s electronics recycling facility. Appointments are scheduled for Thursday mornings only. The fee at this location for entities not covered by the law is $0.18/pound.
- Items are NOT free (but are accepted) at the Environmental Depot until further notice.
Fees For Electronics Recycling at CSWD Drop-Off Centers
| Item to be Disposed | Fee for Covered Entities | Fee for Entities NOT Covered |
|---|---|---|
| Computers and Peripherals | ||
| CPU (desktop) | $0 | $2.50 |
| mini-tower, server | $0 | $2.50 |
| monitor | $0 | $5.00 |
| Apple monitor/CPU unit | $0 | $7.50 |
| keyboard & mouse | $0 | $1.00 |
| laptop | $0 | $5.00 |
| modem | $0 | $1.00 |
| CD/DVD drive | $0 | $1.00 |
| speaker set (for computers only) | $0 | $1.00 |
| UPS (battery backup) | $5.00 - $15.00 | $5.00 - $15.00 |
| computer projector | $0 | $2.50 |
| printer or print/scan/fax/copy unit (NOT a floor model) | $0 | $5.00 - $15.00 |
| scanner | $0 | $2.00 |
| Televisions and Peripherals | ||
| 19" or smaller screen | $0 | $5.00 |
| 20" - 27" screen | $0 | $8.00 |
| larger than 28" and consoles | $0 | $15.00 |
| VCR | $5.00 | $5.00 |
| digital converter box | $1.00 | $1.00 |
| electronic game console | $2.00 | $2.00 |
| standard satellite dish | $2.50 (free as scrap metal if at least 80% metal) | $2.50 (free as scrap metal if at least 80% metal) |
| Entertainment Equipment | ||
| stereo set (no speakers) | $5.00 | $5.00 |
| speakers | $1/foot in height | $1/foot in height |
| DVD or CD player, boom box | $2.50 | $2.50 |
| MP3 player | $0 | $0 |
| audio/video tapes, CDs, DVDs | $2.50 for "mixed bag." (Grocery bag full) | $2.50 for "mixed bag." (Grocery bag full) |
| Other Items | ||
| landline telephone or answering machine | $1.00 | $1.00 |
| cell phone, pager, PDA, mp3, e-reader | $0 | $0 |
| electric typewriter | $5.00 | $5.00 |
| fax machine | $5.00 ($2.00 per extra tray) | $5.00 ($2.00 per extra tray) |
Scrubbing Your Data Before Recycling
You are responsible for removing any data from the hard drive of your computer before donating it for reuse or bringing it to any facility for recycling. Here’s a link to resources to help you scrub that hard drive:
Vermont’s E-Waste Law
Electronic devices contain toxic materials (including lead, mercury, and chromium) as well as precious metals (such as gold) that should be recovered and recycled or disposed of responsibly. As of January 1, 2011, it became illegal in Vermont to dispose of most electronic devices in a landfill.
As of July 1, 2011, several locations became available for free disposal of many of these items for covered entities.
Recovery of these valuable and frequently hazardous materials was previously being subsidized by local solid waste management districts (such as CSWD). Under the Vermont e-waste law, manufacturers of these items are now responsible for the cost of recovery.
Go to the State of Vermont page for details on the Vermont E-waste legislation and its implementation.
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