Does your household have unwanted electronics?

What is E-waste?

E-waste is made up of household and K-12 school desktop computers, CRT monitors and televisions, flat screen monitors and televisions, laptops, notebooks, and tablets with screen sizes larger than an adult man’s hand.

Where can I get rid of e-waste?

Use the table below to view permanent e-waste drop-off locations (this information is subject to change) or view upcoming Recycling Events

The following items are considered e-waste:

Referred to as "covered electronic products" in the law

• Computers (CPUs)
• Computer monitors (CRT and flat panel)
• Combination units (CPUs with monitors)
• Laptops (with a screen greater then 9 inches diagonally)
• Televisions (including CRT, LCD and plasma with a screen greater then 9 inches diagonally)
• Similar video display devices with a screen greater then 9 inches diagonally which contains a circuit board

The E-Waste Problem

Rhode Instituted a landfill ban in place in 2009 for all televisions, and computers (Read the statute: Rhode Island's E-Waste & Disposal Ban Law (R.I.G.L. Chapter 23-24.10). As our landfill continues grow larger and larger, the available space we have to bury our trash shrinks. Furthermore, e-waste can contain lead, mercury and other hazardous substances that pose a threat to human health and the environment if improperly disposed of at the end of their useful life.

Options for Reuse:

If you have a computer or TV that is still working but no longer needed, it may be able to be donated to a school, non-profit organization or an organization that distributes working, used equipment to various groups. Reusing old equipment keeps it out of the waste stream for the time being and allows individuals and groups to obtain equipment that they otherwise could not afford.



Here is a list of resources you can access to explore reuse options for your old, but working, electronics:

• US EPA Plug Into eCycling Reuse/Donation Information
• National Cristina Foundation
• Goodwill Industries

Resources to donate or sell back mobile phones and tablets

Online sales and trade-ins:

National charities:

• Cell Phones for Soldiers
• Hope Phones
• Make-A-Wish Foundation
• National Coalition against Domestic Violence

How to dispose of other hard to dispose of items:

Under the law, manufacturers must either run their own take-back program or participate in a state run take-back program run by the RI Resource Recovery Corporation (RIRRC) at rirrc.org.

It is important to note that the RIRRC continues to collect a wide variety of electronic waste from households outside of the scope of "covered electronic products" as defined in RI's E-Waste Law. Click here to view the RIRRC A-Z list of recyclable items.

Contact Information

If you have any questions concerning the law, please contact Alyson Brunelli at alyson.brunelli@dem.ri.gov or 401-222-4700 ext. 2777134.

If you need to contact the RI Resource Recovery Corporation about elements of Rhode Island's E-Waste Law which are to be administered by the Corporation, please contact Joe Rotella at JoeR@rirrc.org or call 401-942-1430.

The information provided on this website is not a substitute for the requirements of any relevant RI statutes addressing electronic waste. If you are a person, company or entity that has a legal obligation to undertake certain activities pursuant to Rhode Island's adopted law, you should review all applicable laws. It is your responsibility to comply with all applicable laws.

Rhode Island's E-Waste & Disposal Ban Law (R.I.G.L. Chapter 23-24.10)

Additional Resources