Item: Electronics — TVs, computers, monitors, peripherals, batteries Jurisdiction: Columbus city limits, Franklin County, Ohio Official source: City of Columbus Waste and Reuse Convenience Centers + SWACO Recycling Convenience Center Last updated: July 2026
Quick Answer
Columbus residents have two main e-waste disposal routes:
FREE: City of Columbus Waste and Reuse Convenience Centers — Alum Creek (2100 Alum Creek Dr) and Georgesville (1550 Georgesville Rd) — accept electronics at no charge. Open Tuesday through Saturday, 9 AM – 5 PM. Columbus residents only.
PAID: SWACO Recycling Convenience Center (2566 Jackson Pike, Columbus, OH 43223) — accepts TVs and electronics with fees for CRT and LCD TVs: LCD TV $15, CRT under 20" $25, CRT under 35" $35, CRT over 35" $45. Flat computer monitors and household electronics may be free. Open Monday–Friday 9:30 AM–5 PM, Saturday 9 AM–4 PM. Franklin County residents only.
Both require proof of residency. Remove personal data from devices before disposal. Batteries can be dropped off free at the SWACO HHW Facility (645 E. 8th Ave).
E-waste should never go in regular trash or recycling. Electronics contain hazardous materials and are prohibited from general waste disposal.
Quick Facts
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Free drop-off | City Waste and Reuse Convenience Centers — Alum Creek (2100 Alum Creek Dr) and Georgesville (1550 Georgesville Rd) |
| Free drop-off hours | Tue–Sat, 9 AM – 5 PM |
| Free drop-off eligibility | Columbus residents only |
| Paid drop-off | SWACO Recycling Convenience Center — 2566 Jackson Pike, Columbus, OH 43223 |
| SWACO hours | Mon–Fri 9:30 AM–5 PM, Sat 9 AM–4 PM |
| SWACO eligibility | Franklin County residents |
| SWACO TV fees | LCD $15, CRT under 20" $25, CRT 20–35" $35, CRT over 35" $45 |
| Free battery drop-off | SWACO HHW Facility — 645 E. 8th Ave, Mon–Fri 9 AM–5 PM, first Sat 9 AM–2 PM |
| Data prep | Factory reset all devices, remove drives and SIM cards before disposal |
| Not accepted | Business/commercial e-waste at either facility |
| Credit/debit | 3% processing fee at SWACO facilities |
Can Columbus Pick Up E-Waste Curbside?
No. E-waste is not accepted in regular curbside trash, recycling, or bulk collection.
However, the city does not require you to have a pickup — you have two convenient drop-off options that are likely within a short drive of most Columbus addresses.
Free City Drop-Off — Waste and Reuse Convenience Centers
The City of Columbus operates two Waste and Reuse Convenience Centers that accept electronics free of charge for Columbus residents.
Locations
| Facility | Address | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Alum Creek | 2100 Alum Creek Dr, Columbus, OH | Tue–Sat, 9 AM – 5 PM |
| Georgesville | 1550 Georgesville Rd, Columbus, OH | Tue–Sat, 9 AM – 5 PM |
What to Know
- Free for Columbus residents
- Drive-up, self-service — you unload your own items
- No appointment needed
- Bring proof of Columbus residency (driver's license or utility bill)
- Does NOT accept hazardous materials, tires, or motor oil
What Electronics Are Accepted?
The city centers accept electronics generally, including:
- TVs (all types)
- Computer monitors
- Desktop computers and laptops
- Printers, scanners, fax machines
- Keyboards, mice, cables
- Cell phones and tablets
- VCRs, DVD players, stereos
- Video game consoles and accessories
If you have standard household electronics, the convenience centers are your best bet — free and no appointment needed.
SWACO Recycling Convenience Center — Paid Option
For e-waste items from Franklin County residents (including Columbus), the SWACO Recycling Convenience Center offers broader acceptance with a fee structure for TVs and CRT monitors.
Location and Hours
SWACO Recycling Convenience Center 2566 Jackson Pike Columbus, OH 43223
- Monday–Friday: 9:30 AM – 5 PM
- Saturday: 9 AM – 4 PM
- Contact: 614-871-5100
Fee Schedule for TVs and Monitors
| Device Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| LCD TV / Monitor | $15 |
| CRT — below 20" | $25 |
| CRT — 20" to under 35" | $35 |
| CRT — 35" and above | $45 |
| Flat computer monitor | Appears free — confirm |
| Household electronics | Appears free — confirm |
- 3% processing fee for credit/debit card payments
- Fees subject to change — confirm before visiting
Other Items Accepted at SWACO Recycling Convenience Center
In addition to electronics, this facility accepts:
- Appliances (refrigerators, washers, dryers, etc.)
- Batteries (all types)
- Fluorescent bulbs
- Paint (both latex and oil-based)
- Tires ($5 per tire)
- String lights
- Styrofoam
This makes it a convenient one-stop option if you have multiple types of waste to dispose of.
SWACO HHW Facility — Batteries
For batteries only, the SWACO HHW Facility at 645 E. 8th Avenue offers free drop-off.
SWACO HHW Facility 645 E. 8th Avenue, Columbus, OH 43201
- Hours: Mon–Fri 9 AM–5 PM, first Sat 9 AM–2 PM
- Phone: 614-294-1300
- Free for Franklin County residents
Accepted Battery Types
- Alkaline (standard AA, AAA, C, D, 9V)
- Lithium and lithium-ion (laptop, phone, power tool batteries)
- Rechargeable (NiMH, NiCd)
- Vehicle batteries (car, truck, marine)
- Computer batteries (UPS backup batteries)
Battery Preparation
- Tape terminals with masking or electrical tape to prevent short circuits and fire
- Keep in original packaging if available
- Do not put loose batteries in a bag where they can contact each other
Accepted E-Waste Items — By Facility
| Item | City Convenience Center (Free) | SWACO Recycling Center (Paid) | SWACO HHW Facility |
|---|---|---|---|
| LCD TVs | Yes (free) | Yes ($15) | No |
| CRT TVs under 20" | Yes (free) | Yes ($25) | No |
| CRT TVs 20–35" | Yes (free) | Yes ($35) | No |
| CRT TVs over 35" | Yes (free) | Yes ($45) | No |
| Flat computer monitors | Yes (free) | Yes (may be free) | No |
| Desktop computers | Yes (free) | Yes (may be free) | No |
| Laptops | Yes (free) | Yes (may be free) | No |
| Printers / peripherals | Yes (free) | Yes (may be free) | No |
| Cell phones / tablets | Yes (free) | Yes (may be free) | No |
| Batteries (all types) | No | Yes | Yes (free) |
Data Security — Preparing Devices for Disposal
Data destruction preparation is not mentioned on any official Columbus or SWACO source, but it is critical for your privacy and security. Facilities do not offer data destruction services — you must handle it yourself.
Step-by-Step Data Prep
- Factory reset all devices — use the device's built-in reset function (Settings > Reset for phones/tablets; system restore for computers)
- Sign out of all accounts — iCloud, Google, Microsoft, and any other linked accounts
- Remove SIM cards and memory cards — these store personal data and contacts
- Remove or wipe hard drives — for sensitive data, physically remove and destroy the drive rather than relying on software wiping alone
- Remove batteries where possible — reduce fire risk during transport
- Bundle cables and accessories — keep them with the device if you want them recycled together
For Sensitive Data
If a device contains sensitive personal or business data, physically destroy the hard drive or storage media before disposal. A drill through the platters or a hammer to crack the casing is more reliable than software deletion alone. Do not rely on "recycle and destroy" claims from any disposal facility — they are not mentioned on available sources.
Apartment and Renter Edge Cases
Apartment resident with e-waste
Both city convenience centers and the SWACO Recycling Convenience Center serve residential users. If you live within Columbus city limits (for city centers) or Franklin County (for SWACO), you qualify. Drive your personal vehicle to the facility of your choice. Call ahead if you want to confirm your specific address is served.
Large quantity e-waste from an office or organization
Residential facilities do not accept commercial quantities. If you have e-waste from a business, organization, or multi-unit cleanup that goes beyond personal household quantities, you must use a licensed e-waste recycler. Search for "Ohio EPA e-waste recycling" or "R2 certified recyclers" to find licensed options.
No vehicle access
- Small electronics (phones, tablets, small printers) — some retailers like Best Buy offer in-store recycling for small devices. Call your local store to confirm.
- Large items (CRT TVs, desktop computers) — arrange transport with a friend or neighbour. Do not use public transit for large or fragile electronics.
- Some charities accept working electronics and may offer pickup — call to confirm.
Business and Bulk E-Waste
Both city convenience centers and SWACO facilities are for residential use only. Businesses with e-waste must:
- Use a licensed electronics recycler
- Look for R2 (Responsible Recycling) certified recyclers in the Columbus area
- Not attempt to dispose of commercial e-waste at residential facilities
Do not estimate costs — get a written quote from a licensed recycler.
Safety Caveats
- CRT TVs and monitors contain leaded glass and vacuum tubes — handle with care, do not drop or break. CRTs can implode if cracked.
- Lithium-ion batteries can cause fires if damaged, punctured, or short-circuited — tape terminals before transport.
- Do not dispose of e-waste in regular trash — illegal in Ohio and environmentally harmful due to lead, mercury, and other hazardous materials.
- Heavy CRT TVs may require two-person handling — a 35" CRT can weigh over 150 lbs. Do not lift beyond your ability.
- Remove batteries from devices before disposal to reduce fire risk during transport.
Official Verification Checklist
Before loading electronics and heading to a facility:
- Choose your route — city center (free) or SWACO (paid for TVs/monitors).
- Call the facility to confirm hours, fees, and accepted item types.
- For SWACO: confirm current fee schedule for your specific device type.
- Wipe all personal data from devices before disposal.
- Remove batteries and tape terminals.
- Confirm proof of residency required — driver's license or utility bill.
- Ask about per-visit quantity limits — especially for large loads.
- Load devices securely and transport safely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put electronics in the regular trash? No. E-waste contains hazardous materials and should not go in regular trash or recycling. Use designated drop-off facilities.
What is the free e-waste option in Columbus? City Waste and Reuse Convenience Centers (Alum Creek, Georgesville) accept electronics free for Columbus residents. Tue–Sat 9 AM–5 PM.
What are the fees for TVs at SWACO? LCD TV $15, CRT under 20" $25, CRT 20–35" $35, CRT over 35" $45. Fees subject to change.
Is there free e-waste disposal at SWACO? Flat computer monitors and household electronics may be free. The official fee schedule only lists TVs and CRT monitors. Confirm with SWACO (614-871-5100).
Does the city destroy data on disposed devices? No. No official source mentions data destruction services. You must wipe all personal data yourself before disposal.
Can I recycle batteries at city convenience centers? No. Take batteries to the SWACO HHW Facility (645 E. 8th Ave) or the SWACO Recycling Convenience Center (2566 Jackson Pike).
How many electronics can I bring per visit? Per-visit quantity limits are not stated for any facility. Ask when you call ahead.
Can businesses drop off e-waste at these facilities? No. All listed facilities are residential only. Businesses must use a licensed e-waste recycler.
Sources
- SWACO Recycling Convenience Center — Fees & Electronics — Official fee schedule, hours, and accepted items.
- SWACO HHW Page — Batteries — Battery acceptance, preparation, and HHW facility info.
- City Waste and Reuse Convenience Centers — Locations, hours, and accepted items for free e-waste drop-off.
- SWACO — 614-871-5100 — For Recycling Convenience Center fees and electronics acceptance.
- Columbus 311 — 614-645-3111 — For city convenience center questions.
- SWACO HHW Facility — 614-294-1300 (EEI) — For battery drop-off.
This guide is based on official sources available as of July 2026. Fees, hours, and policies change. Always call ahead to verify current information before hauling electronics for disposal.