eWaste (Electronic Waste)

What to do with your old electronics

The rules are different for home versus business and government e-waste.  Business and governmental e-waste is banned from disposal on Oahu. Home electronics are exempted from the ban and can be disposed of with regular household refuse or bulky collection, but you are encouraged to consider the recycling options presented below. More recycling programs and options are evolving locally and nationwide each year.

Here’s what’s currently available to you:

The Hawaii Electronic Waste and Television Recycling and Recovery Law was adopted by the Hawaii State Legislature in 2008. It requires electronics manufacturers to provide recycling programs for computers, computer monitors and televisions. The State Department of Health is responsible for implementing this new law.

On Oahu, e-waste was banned from disposal as of July 2006. Household and small quantity generators are exempt in accordance with EPA guidelines. Local businesses or commercial entities, which generate e-waste should contact the state Department of Health - Solid and Hazardous Waste Branch for more information, or refer to an e-waste recycler (eCycler) listed below.

All types of generators -- commercial, government, household -- are encouraged to investigate reuse options offered by local non-profits and trade-in programs offered by manufacturers.


Donate

Donate computer equipment to local schools and organizations.  Newer, working equipment is preferred, however older or non-working equipment may also be accepted.

Hawaiian Hope
Hawaiian Hope accepts PC-compatible computer equipment (no Apple Mac products). CPU Units (the main box) can be repaired if not working, but all components  (printers, monitors, mice, etc, ) must be in WORKING condition.  Hawaiian Hope will accept computers as old as 1Ghz Pentium 4, individual parts such as mice, memory, video cards, and network cards. Hawaiian Hope is especially in need of network switches (not hubs), networking hardware, cables, speakers and hard drives -- 20 GB and up and (They will scrub them clean for you while you watch.). Hawaiian Hope is also always looking for volunteers.

Hawaiian Hope is a technology-based non-profit organization and provides services to other non-profits with a strong focus on homeless services and disaster management. Hawaiian Hope uses donated computers to build computer classrooms in homeless shelters and provide computers to families moving back into housing in order to strengthen the lives of the people in the community.

Equipment can be dropped off daily at 611 N. King Street. Please call first to schedule a drop off at 352-8800 or email mail@hawaiianhope.org.

Hawaii Open Source Education Foundation (HOSEF)
HOSEF is a non-profit with a mission to promote Free and Open Source Software, as well as, build learning opportunities around previously discarded but still functional computers.  Through two programs, Computer Guts and their Gnu Linux Edutainment Learning Centers , they’re able to ecycle most computers and provide them to schools, non-profits, developing nations, and individuals in need.  If you have it, they will take it, donate it, sell it, or recycle it.  Donation information and contact details are available at hosef.org.

Hawaii Computers for Kids
The Hawaii Computers for Kids Program has been coordinated by the Rotary Club of Metropolitan Honolulu since 1992. Over 150 schools throughout the state rebuild donated personal computers for use in classrooms. The program currently accepts Pentium 4 and later Celeron PCs, Mac G4s and faster models, printers connecting with USB, and one working monitor with each acceptable computer; other items may be accepted on a case-by-case basis. Donation receipts are offered.

Dr. Ken Goldstein, 521-2259, info@catii.com
Program Coordinator

National Cristina Foundation
National Cristina Foundation gives computer equipment and software a second productive life by placing these technology resources with charities, schools, and public agencies, to provide training to students at risk, the economically disadvantaged, and people with disabilities. Donated equipment is generally removed by a partner organization. Donors can also drop off equipment at a designated location or ship it to the partner organization.


FREE Drop-Off (During Business Hours)

For a detailed list of manufacturer and retailer recycling programs in Hawaii visit the State Department of Health's website by clicking here. For a list of upcoming e-waste collection events click here.

Best Buy
Both Best Buy locations on Oahu accept most consumer electronics, including televisions and monitors up to 32”, desktops and notebooks, small electronics (small microwaves only), stereos, VCR and DVD players, and phones, as well as accessories such as keyboards, mice, and remotes.  A $10 recycling fee per unit will be charged for items with screens, such as televisions, laptop computers, and monitors (Fee does not apply for any of Best Buy’s Exclusive-Branded products, such as Insignia, Dynex, and VPR Matrix). The fee will be instantly reimbursed as a $10 Best Buy gift card. All hard and flash drives need to be wiped clean (this service can be provided for a fee).  Two (2) units per day, per household maximum.

Pacific Corporate Solutions
Pacific Corporate Solutions' Halawa facility accepts unlimited amounts of residential and commercial e-waste at no charge (includes: Computers, laptops, printers, cell phones, data equipment, etc). Monitors are accepted for a $10 fee. No TVs, stand-alone batteries or stand-alone printer cartridges. Please call first for drop-off. Click here for more information.

FREE Drop-Off (Events)

Aloha Aina Earth Day (monthly)
Accepts limited quantities of computer and other electronic equipment from householders.  Restrictions apply.
Click here for more information.

Pacific Corporate Solutions (biweekly)
Accepts unlimited amounts of residential and commercial e-waste at no charge (includes: computers, laptops, printers, cell phones, data equipment, etc). Monitors are accepted for a $10 fee. No TVs, stand-alone batteries or stand-alone printer cartridges.
Restrictions apply.
Click here for more information.


Trade-in Programs

Trade-in programs are a great way to earn money for your old electronics. Use the money towards the purchase of new electronics or request a gift card from your favorite retailer. It's good for the environment and it's good for your wallet!

Best Buy (www.bestbuytradein.com)
Best Buy’s Trade-in Center allows consumers to ship their unwanted electronics (free of charge) to an e-scrap partner (Materials Processing Corporation) for recycling. They then send a Best Buy gift card based on the value of the recycled electronics.

Radio Shack (radioshack.cexchange.com)
Radio Shack's Trade-In & Recycle Program offers consumers the opportunity to ship their electronics (free of charge) to an e-scrap partner (CExchange) for recycling. They then send a Radio Shack gift card based on the value of the recycled electronics.

Sam's Club (www.econewonline.com/samsclub) {membership required}
Sam's Club Trade-In & Recycle Program allows members to ship their unwanted electronics (free of charge) to an e-scrap partner (ecoNEW). they then send a Sam’s Club gift card based on the value of the recycled electronics.

Dell
Dell offers consumers an opportunity to recycle or donate their old electronic equipment. You can learn more about their asset recovery and recycling program by visiting their website at dell.com.  Additional recycling services provided by EZ Trade-in (dell.eztradein.com/Dell).  Donation service provided by the Cristina Foundation (www.cristina.org/dell.html).

Gateway (gateway.eztradein.com/gateway)
Gateway’s Trade-in & Recycle Program allows consumers to ship their unwanted electronics regardless of manufacturer (free of charge) to an e-processor partner (Dealtree) for recycling. They then send a check based on the value of the recycled electronics.

Hewlett-Packard (www.hp.com/go/recycle)
Hewlett-Packard allows consumers to ship their unwanted electronics of any brand for recycling.  HP then sends a check for the value of the returned electronics.  And as part the new State program, HP is offering local recycling.  For more information on local recycling visit the Hawaii State Department of Health's website here.

Toshiba (toshiba.eztradein.com/toshiba)
Toshiba’s Trade-in & Recycle Program allows consumers to ship their unwanted electronics regardless of manufacturer (free of charge) to an e-processor partner (Dealtree) for recycling. They then send a check based on the value of the recycled electronics

Deal Tree - EZ Trade-in (ez.eztradein.com/eztradein)
EZ Trade-in provides e-waste recycling services for a variety of manufacturers and retailers.  Retailer gift card or Pay Pal reimbursement available.

EcoNew (www.econewonline.com)
EcoNew recycles, and provides recycling service for Sam's Club {members only}, Sony and the Navy Exchange {members only}.

This is not a comprehensive list.  Please check manufacturer and retailer websites for additional trade-in offers.


Local eCyclers

Old electronics can be recycled for their plastic, metal and chemical components. Disposal fees may apply. The recyclers listed below can provide, at your request, complete details regarding the disposition of your equipment to off-island e-waste processors. For a detailed list of manufacturer and retailer recycling programs in Hawaii visit the State Department of Health's website by clicking here.

Enviroservices: 839-7222
Contact: Curtis Laa

  • Commercial and householder accounts
  • Pickup service available for a fee

Haztech Environmental Services: 671-1985
Contact: Kim Cano

  • Commercial accounts only
  • Pickup by appointment only

Intrade Corporation: 847-5300
Contact: Mike Owens

  • Commercial and householder accounts
  • Drop-off by appointment only
  • Pickup service available for a fee

Pacific Commercial Services: 545-4599
Contact: Winnie-Hazardous Specialist
winnie.yuen@PCSHI.com
5 Sand Island Access Rd , Building 931

  • Commercial and householder accounts
  • Commercial pickup service available

Pacific Corporate Solutions: 488-8870
99-1305 B Koaha Pl
Aiea, HI 96701
www.ewastehawaii.com

  • Commercial and householder accounts
  • Commercial pickup service available
  • Certified data destruction

Pacific Environmental Corp. (PENCO): 545-5195

  • Commercial accounts only
  • Pickup service available

Philip Services Corp.: 845-0032
91-127 Malakole St.
Kapolei, HI 96707

  • Commercial accounts only
  • Pickup service available

SD Systems Inc.: 836-7950
Contact: Dan Ikei
91-210 Kalaeloa Blvd
Kapolei, HI 96707

  • Commercial and householder accounts
  • Pickup and drop-off services available

T & N Services: 371-0281
Contact: Nik Nikolaidis

  • Commercial and householder accounts
  • Drop-off by appointment only
  • Pickup service available for a fee

For City Agencies

Visit our Recycling for City Agencies page for more information.


Batteries

Give your old auto batteries to the dealer when purchasing new ones, as State law requires the dealer to accept and recycle them. Householders may also take them to any City Convenience Center. Drop off rechargeable batteries from cell phones, computers and power equipment at Home Depot, Best Buy and Radio Shack as part of the national RBRC program.  Regular alkaline (non-rechargeable) batteries can be safely disposed of with your regular refuse collection.  Manufacturers no longer use heavy metals in their production.

Rechargeable battery drop-off locations include:
Home Depot, Best Buy, Radio Shack and the Aloha ‘Aina Earth Day events.


Cell Phones

What you should do before you recycle:
  1. Erase all stored information, including your incoming/outgoing phone numbers, phone book and text messages.
  2. Make sure the cell phone account has been completely deactivated.
  3. Remove memory and SIM cards (if applicable).

The following links provide recycling options for cell phones.  Most of these organizations will send return shipping labels/postage to you via postal mail or you can print the labels/postage off their website, to ship your boxes of cell phones at no charge.

General information on cell phone recycling:

These non-profits (501c(3)) initiate and oversee programs to help American communities:

These companies will donate 100% of the profit from the recycled cell phones to charitable programs:

This non-profit company will donate a portion of recycled cell phone sales to a partnered nonprofit organization:

These for profit companies will donate a percentage of the profits from your recycled cell phones to a non-profit organization they are partnered with:

These for profit companies are doing business to assist non-profits in setting up cell phone recycling fundraiser drives:

These businesses will buy your recycled cell phones for cash:


Additional Info on eCycling

EPA’s Plug-In To eCycling
(www.epa.gov/epawaste/partnerships/plugin/index.htm)
Plug-In To eCycling with US EPA is a partnership between EPA and consumer electronics manufacturers, retailers, and service providers that offers you more opportunities to donate or recycle - to "eCycle" - your used electronics.

Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) (www.mygreenelectronics.org)
CEA unveiled a new initiative to educate consumers on what it calls "The 4R's," - Reducing energy use, Reusing old products, Recycling no longer useful ones, and Rethinking purchasing decisions.

Your comments and questions regarding the reuse and recycling of computers and electronics are appreciated. Email them to info@opala.org.
© 2005 City & County of Honolulu's Department of Environmental Services.