Computer Recycling

Many of the 59 communities in Cuyahoga County offer year-round collection and recycling of computer equipment to their residents. Some hold seasonal collection events, typically in the spring or fall. 

 

Computer equipment can also be delivered to RET3 job corp., a non-profit computer recycler located on the east side of Cleveland. RET3 job corp. is located at 1814 East 40th Street in Cleveland. Drop-off hours are Monday through Friday at the rear of the building from 8:00-3:00. Contact RET3 job corp. at 216.361.9991.

 

Equipment that can be recycled via this program includes desktops, towers, laptops, monitors, keyboards and peripherals, printers, modems, tablets, e-readers, telecom devices, networking equipment, cables, cell phones, and video game systems.

 

No televisions. Televisions are very difficult and expensive to recycle. You can pay a fee to recycle your TV via a private e-waste recycler.

Find details for your community.

See the video about recycling computers and electronics.

What about televisions and other electronics?

While there is no ban in Ohio on placing televisions and electronics in the regular trash, there are retailers and local companies that offer recycling services for these items. A fee is usually charged for televisions.

RET3 job corp. does not accept televisions due to the rising cost of processing. If televisions are delivered to RET3 by chance, the company will assess a charge of $1.00 per diagonal inch of the television tube.

Best Buy stores will recycle tube TVs (up to 32"), flat screen TVs (up to 50"), and portable TVs for a small fee. Many other types of electronics equipment are recycled for free. For a full list of items, see Best Buy's website.

Staples stores will recycle old office technology at no charge. Visit Staples for more information. 

What will happen to the computers that are collected?
Computers turned in during this event will be recycled by RET3 job corp., a non-profit computer recycler located on the east side of Cleveland. RET3 job corp. works to give students technology skills for the workplace and, in turn, drive economic development in the region. RET3 job corp. has a goal of putting 50,000 computers in Northeast Ohio schools over the next five years. 

What will happen to the data on my computer?
All computer hard drives received by RET3 are erased of all data using U.S. Department of Defense specifications. This secure system eradicates all the information stored on your computer and protects your confidentiality. After the hard drive is cleaned, usable computer systems are remanufactured. Unrepairable equipment is completely deconstructed. If your donation does not meet school specifications, RET3 job corp. will recycle the equipment in a process that is fully compliant with EPA standards and offers a 100% no-landfill guarantee. Raw materials are sold, and profits benefit RET3 job corp.

We will not determine the value of your donation. To learn more about putting a value to your donation, visit the IRS website (Publication #561 or Publication #526) or call the IRS at 216.522.4048.