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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 or www.ret3.org

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.

Looking for recycling information for your community? Find details here.

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 electronics equipment are recycled for free. Log onto www.bestbuy.com/recycling  Staples stores will recycle old office technology at no charge.  Visit www.staples.com/sbd/cre/marketing/easy-on-the-planet/recycling-and-eco-services.html  

What will happen to the computers that are collected?

Computers turned in during this event will be recycled by RET3 job corp., a not-for-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.

Is there a way to clean the hard drive on my own?

RET3 job corp. offers a "How to Erase Your Hard Drive" video tutorial on their website at www.ret3.org  Just scroll to the bottom of the home page to see the video.  You can also follow the step-by-step instructions for KillDisk software on their website.  Please do not remove the hard drive since that makes it more costly to refurbish the computer.

I am a business with computers I need to get rid of.  What can I do with my old equipment?

Businesses with computers to recycle should contact RET3 for pick-up and drop-off requirements. Call (216) 361-9991.  A list of other local computer recyclers can also be found in our online Recycling Directory for Business & Industry.

Is my donation tax deductible?

Yes, because we use a non-profit 501(c)(3) to recycle the equipment collected during this event we will provide a tax receipt for your donation.  To obtain a receipt contact the Solid Waste District at (216) 443-3749 ext. 8 or [email protected]  Please provide your name and mailing address. A receipt will be mailed to you.

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.

I'm not a resident of Cuyahoga County. What can I do?

Other local Solid Waste Districts hold free collection events for their residents. Contact your county for information about events going on throughout the year.   
Geauga/Trumbull County (330) 675-2673
Lake County (440) 350-2582
Lorain County (440) 329-5440
Medina County (330) 769-0289
Portage County (330) 678-8808
Summit County (330) 374-0383

 

Calendar of Events


What Do I Do With...? 
Find the answer to your biggest recycling question.

Ongoing
Household Hazardous Waste Disposal Program
City Service Departments

April 1-30, 2016
Recycle Your Computer Month

April 15, 2024
OALPRP & OEPA Student Scholarship applications due

April 17, 2024
Earth Day Coalition's Earthfest
Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds

April 22, 2024
Happy Earth Day!

April 23, 2024
Party for the Planet
Cleveland Metroparks Zoo

April 23, 2024
Compost Seminar & Bin Sale
Parma

May 4, 2024
Compost Seminar & Bin Sale
Bay Village

May 6, 2024
Compost Seminar & Bin Sale
Cleveland

May 20, 2024
Recycling Roundtable for Business
Garfield Heights




  

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