Where can I recycle electronics in Howard County for free?

Howard County residents can recycle electronics for free at the Alpha Ridge Landfill Residents' Convenience Center at 2350 Marriottsville Road. This includes computers, TVs, phones, and small appliances.

Can I put electronics in the trash in Howard County?

No, electronics should not go in regular trash. They contain hazardous materials like lead and mercury. Take them to Alpha Ridge Landfill or a retailer recycling program.

How do I dispose of an old CRT TV in Howard County?

CRT (tube) TVs contain lead and must be taken to Alpha Ridge Landfill for proper recycling. They are accepted for free at the Residents' Convenience Center.

Does Best Buy accept old electronics for recycling?

Yes, Best Buy accepts most electronics for free recycling including TVs up to 32 inches, computers, phones, and small appliances. Larger TVs have a $29.99 recycling fee.

How do I protect my data before recycling a computer?

Before recycling, backup important files, sign out of all accounts, and perform a factory reset. For extra security, remove the hard drive or use data destruction software.

How to Dispose of Electronics & E-Waste in Howard County

The short answer: Electronics don't belong in the trash. They contain hazardous materials and valuable metals that can be recycled. Howard County offers free e-waste drop-off at Alpha Ridge Landfill.

Have a pile of old electronics?

We offer same-day e-waste pickup throughout Howard County.

Get a Free Quote

Old electronics including CRT TV, computers, phones, and cables ready for recycling in Howard County

What Counts as E-Waste?

E-waste (electronic waste) includes anything with a plug, battery, or circuit board:

Computers & Laptops
Monitors & TVs
Cell Phones & Tablets
Printers & Scanners
Keyboards & Mice
Cables & Chargers
DVD/Blu-ray Players
Video Game Consoles
Small Kitchen Appliances
Power Tools

Your Options for E-Waste Disposal

Option 1: Alpha Ridge Landfill (FREE)

The easiest and cheapest option for Howard County residents. The Residents' Convenience Center accepts all electronics for free.

Cost: FREE for Howard County residents

Address: 2350 Marriottsville Rd, Marriottsville, MD 21104

Hours: Monday–Saturday, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Closed Sundays)

What to bring: Valid ID proving Howard County residency

Accepts: All electronics including CRT TVs, computers, phones, and appliances

Option 2: Retailer Recycling Programs

Major retailers accept electronics for recycling—convenient if you're already shopping.

Best Buy (Columbia, Ellicott City)

Free: Most electronics, TVs up to 32"
$29.99 fee: TVs 33" and larger
Limit: 3 items per household per day

Staples (Columbia)

Free: Computers, tablets, phones, small electronics
Does NOT accept: TVs, monitors, large appliances

Option 3: Hire Grime To Dime (Same-Day Pickup)

Have a basement full of old electronics? We'll haul everything out—TVs, computers, cables, the whole mess. No sorting required.

Cost: Starting at $75 (based on volume)

Best for: Multiple items, heavy CRT TVs, office cleanouts, no time to drive

What we do: We pick up, sort, and ensure proper recycling of all electronics

Service area: All of Howard County

Get a Free Quote →

Special Rules for CRT TVs

Old "Tube" TVs Require Special Handling

CRT (cathode ray tube) televisions contain 4-8 pounds of lead. They cannot go in regular trash and many recyclers charge extra for them. Alpha Ridge Landfill accepts them for free.

If you have an old tube TV:

Best option: Alpha Ridge Landfill (free)
Best Buy: $29.99 fee for TVs over 32"
Grime To Dime: We'll haul it out—no extra fee for CRTs

Protect Your Data Before Recycling

Don't Recycle Without Wiping Your Data

Your old computer, phone, or tablet contains personal information—passwords, photos, financial data. Always wipe devices before recycling.

For Computers:

Backup important files to an external drive or cloud
Sign out of all accounts (Google, Apple, Microsoft, etc.)
Perform a factory reset (Windows: Settings → Recovery → Reset this PC)
For extra security: Remove the hard drive and destroy it separately

For Phones & Tablets:

Backup photos and data
Sign out of your Apple ID or Google account
Remove SIM card and memory card
Factory reset the device

Pro Tip

If a device won't turn on, the hard drive may still contain data. Consider removing it and using a drill to physically destroy the platters, or take it to a certified data destruction service.

What NOT to Do

Put electronics in regular trash
Leave TVs on the curb
Throw batteries in the trash
Recycle without wiping data

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I put a broken TV in the trash?

No. Even broken TVs contain hazardous materials and must be recycled properly. Take it to Alpha Ridge or schedule a pickup with us.

What about old VCRs and DVD players?

Yes, these are accepted at Alpha Ridge and Best Buy. They're standard e-waste.

Do I need to remove batteries before recycling?

If possible, yes. Loose batteries (AA, AAA, lithium) should be recycled separately. Many retailers like Home Depot and Lowe's have battery recycling bins.

Can I recycle a microwave?

Yes! Microwaves are accepted at Alpha Ridge Landfill. They count as electronics/small appliances.