What is Electronic Waste (E-Waste)?

A device powered by electricity (including batteries) that contains circuitry. Examples include but are not limited to: televisions, computers, monitors, laptops, tablets, e-readers, DVD players, digital cameras, cell phones, and stereo equipment.  Electronic device does not include large appliances, refrigeration units, microwave ovens or motor vehicles. Electronic Waste is identified as hazardous waste in the state of California.

NOTE: Large appliances (like washers, dryers, water heaters) and microwave ovens containing regulated hazardous materials are accepted at the Resource Recovery Facility for a fee.

Where can I recycle e-waste?

Certified e-waste collectors in Santa Cruz                                         

Resource Recovery Facility - accepts e-waste free of charge

605 Dimeo Lane (3 miles north of town)

Monday-Saturday 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Grey Bears - accepts e-waste free of charge- Check website or call for current list of items accepted

2710 Chanticleer Avenue, Santa Cruz http://greybears.org/ (831) 479-1055

City of Santa Cruz Electronic Waste Ordinance

The full text of the ordinance is available here.

What does the ordinance Do?

The purpose of the ordinance is to give the City a means to ensure that electronic waste is responsibly managed.  The ordinance requires that: (a) No person, partnership, corporation or other entity shall collect any electronic device for recycling in the City unless the electronic device is delivered to a certified recycler.  Note: The e-waste collector is not required to be certified, but must deliver the collected e-waste to a certified recycler. (b) The City must be notified in advance of any e-waste collection events.

Why did the City adopt this ordinance?

Improperly processed electronic waste (e-waste) can pollute the air, soil and ground water.  It can contaminate the solid waste stream and expose solid waste workers to harmful material and working conditions.  When e-waste is shipped to developing countries it may be deposited into poorly maintained landfills, incinerated or disassembled in a manner that threatens worker safety, public health and the environment.  Recyclers that are certified according to the standards of this ordinance follow practices that prevent these problems from occurring.

 Questions:   Email  or 831-420-5220