As of January 1, you can no longer throw away a computer, keyboard, cable box, fax machine, or MP3 player – by law, all these items must be recycled.
Here are some options for how to recycle your electronics:
4th Bin
If you want someone to come and pick up your items from your home or office and take them away, call 4th Bin. For a fee, they’ll schedule an appointment to come and cart away your electronics for environmentally responsible recycling. For an additional fee, they’ll also securely shred hard drives (you need to ask specifically for this).
Electronics stores
Best Buy and Staples, plus any Goodwill or Salvation Army, will accept items for recycling. We highly advise calling first to make sure they’ll actually take your items. (For example they may not accept TVs so call ahead).
Electronics recycling events
Check out the events held by the Lower East Side Ecology Center and by the Department of Sanitation. They’re held throughout the city.
Here’s the January events list for LES Ecology e-waste recycling events.
Craigslist
If your item is in working order, consider listing it as a free item on Craigslist. Important: If you’re giving away a computer, make sure you have erased the hard drive first! Also important: Don’t let a stranger into your home without having another person present.
(January 2015)