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?

Retailer electronics recycling limits and fees change. Check the retailer's current TV size limits, fees, and item limits before loading a TV or monitor.

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. Howard County residents can bring many common household electronics to the Alpha Ridge Landfill Residents' Convenience Center at 2350 Marriottsville Road. The county lists the Residents' Convenience Center hours as Monday-Saturday, 8:00 AM-4:00 PM; bring proof of Howard County residency and check current county rules before loading large quantities, business items, a trailer, or a rental truck.

Have a pile of old electronics?

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

Get a Free Quote

Clearing electronics from an office, rental, gym, or commercial space? Read the business cleanout guide for old TVs, monitors, displays, and office electronics.

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 most Howard County residents. The Residents' Convenience Center accepts common household electronics for recycling.

Cost: FREE for many household e-waste drop-offs by 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: electronics such as TVs, computers, phones, monitors, cords, and small plug-in devices

Official source: Howard County Alpha Ridge Landfill

Option 2: Retailer Recycling Programs

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

Best Buy and other retailer programs

Good for small electronics, cords, phones, tablets, and computer accessories
TV size limits, daily item limits, and fees can change by retailer
Check the store's current recycling page before driving over with a TV or monitor

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)
Retailers: check current TV size limits and recycling fees before you go
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.

Official Howard County Sources

County rules can change. Before loading a car, trailer, or business cleanout, check Howard County's Alpha Ridge Landfill page and the Know Before You Throw table.