Item: Electronics and e-waste (TVs, computers, monitors, phones, peripherals) Jurisdiction: Austin city limits, Texas Last updated: July 2026
Quick Answer
Austin residents have two routes for e-waste disposal. You can schedule on-demand bulk curbside pickup (electronics go in the metal/rigid plastics pile, up to 3 collections per year) or on-demand HHW collection (electronics accepted as household hazardous waste, 30-gallon limit, sealed containers). You can also self-haul to the Recycle and Reuse Center (appointment required, free for Austin and Travis County residents). Before disposal, protect your data — factory reset devices and remove or wipe hard drives. Whether there are per-item fees for TVs and monitors at the drop-off center is not confirmed — ask when scheduling.
Do not assume all e-waste is accepted through every route. Large TVs, monitors, and appliances with batteries may have specific requirements. Verify accepted items and any fees when booking.
Quick Facts
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Primary contact | 311 or Austin Recycles app / Austin Resource Recovery |
| Curbside pickup (bulk) | Yes — electronics in metal/rigid plastics pile, up to 3/year |
| Curbside pickup (HHW) | Yes — electronics as HHW, 30-gallon limit, sealed containers |
| Drop-off | Recycle and Reuse Center — 2514 Business Center Dr, appointment required |
| Retailer take-back | Best Buy, Staples — call specific Austin store first |
| Data destruction | Recommended — factory reset, remove/wipe hard drives |
| Cost | Bulk/HHW pickup: no confirmed fee. Drop-off: free for Austin/Travis County residents. Per-item fees for TVs/monitors: UNKNOWN. |
| Appointment required | Yes for all routes — bulk, HHW, and drop-off |
| Business waste | Not eligible for residential programs |
Which Route Should You Use? Comparison
| Factor | HHW On-Demand Pickup | Bulk On-Demand Pickup | Recycle & Reuse Center | Retailer Take-Back |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | Small electronics, items with batteries | Large electronics, appliances | Mix of items, no curbside service | Small quantities, convenience |
| Quantity limit | 30 gallons per collection | No per-item limit stated | Not confirmed | Varies by store |
| Appointment | Yes | Yes | Yes | No (walk-in) |
| Cost | Not confirmed | Not confirmed | Free for Austin/Travis County residents | Typically free for small items; TVs/monitors may have fees |
| Residency | Austin residential customers only | Austin residential customers only | Austin/Travis County residents | Open to all |
| Oil filter acceptance | N/A (e-waste only) | N/A | N/A | N/A |
This table is a snapshot based on current official pages. Always confirm specifics when scheduling — policies and fees change.
Can Austin Pick Up E-Waste Curbside?
Yes — two different curbside routes are available.
Route 1: HHW On-Demand Collection
Electronics are accepted as household hazardous waste. This is the best option for smaller electronics and items with batteries.
- Schedule through the Austin Recycles app or call 311.
- Up to 3 HHW collections per year per household.
- 30-gallon limit per collection for HHW items.
- Items must be in sealed, labeled containers.
- Place at the curb by 5:30 a.m. on your appointment date.
Route 2: Bulk On-Demand Collection
Large electronics and appliances go in the metal/rigid plastics pile of the bulk collection program.
- Schedule through the Austin Recycles app, My Schedule tool, or call 311.
- Up to 3 bulk collections per year per household (separate from HHW collections — you can use both routes).
- Electronics go in the metal/rigid plastics pile.
- Do NOT bag or box items — bagged items are treated as extra trash.
- Keep items 5 feet from carts, mailboxes, fences, walls, water meters, utility boxes, fire hydrants, and parked cars.
- Place at curb by 5:30 a.m. on appointment date.
Who is eligible
Residential curbside customers within Austin city limits. Items placed in front of vacant lots or businesses will NOT be collected.
What is NOT accepted through curbside
Commercial or industrial e-waste, items with batteries not removed (remove batteries and dispose of them separately), and construction materials.
Drop-Off and Appointment Choices
Recycle and Reuse Center
The Recycle and Reuse Center at 2514 Business Center Drive accepts e-waste by appointment.
- Appointment required — schedule through the Austin Recycles app or call 311.
- Free for Austin and Travis County residents. Non-resident fees apply (amount UNKNOWN).
- Accepted: Computers, monitors, TVs, printers, phones, tablets, small electronics, peripherals (keyboards, mice).
- Per-item fees: Whether TVs and monitors have a separate disposal fee is NOT confirmed in available sources. Ask when booking your appointment.
- Hours: Confirm when scheduling.
Retailer Take-Back Programs
Home electronics retailers such as Best Buy and Staples often offer e-waste recycling programs. Policies vary significantly by store location and change without notice.
Before going to any retailer:
- Call the specific Austin store and ask: Do you accept this specific item (TV, monitor, computer)? Is there a fee? What is the quantity limit?
- Do not rely on national corporate policy posted online. Austin-area store policies may differ.
- Retailer programs may charge for TVs and monitors — ask about fees upfront.
Manufacturer Mail-Back Programs
Many electronics manufacturers offer mail-back recycling for their products. Check the manufacturer's website for a prepaid shipping label. This is a good option for small electronics but may not be practical for large TVs or monitors due to shipping costs.
Data Destruction — Protect Your Privacy
Austin's official e-waste guidance does not explicitly require data destruction before disposal, but it is critical for your security. Dispose of your device's data before disposing of the device.
For Computers
| Method | How to do it |
|---|---|
| Hard drive removal | Physically remove the hard drive from the computer. Keep it or destroy it separately. |
| Wiping software | Use disk-wiping software that overwrites all data (DBAN, Eraser, or built-in OS tools). |
| Factory reset | For a basic clean, perform a full system reset — but this does not guarantee data is unrecoverable. |
For Phones and Tablets
- Factory reset through the device settings menu.
- Remove SIM card and any memory cards (SD cards).
- Sign out of iCloud, Google, or other accounts.
- Remove the device from your account's trusted device list.
For Hard Drives You Keep
If you remove the hard drive from a computer before disposal:
- Physical destruction (drilling through the platters) is the most secure method.
- Alternatively, store the drive in a safe place — do not throw it in the trash without destruction.
What E-Waste Is Accepted
Accepted through bulk collection (metal/rigid plastics pile)
- Desktop and laptop computers
- Monitors (verify if CRT monitors are accepted separately)
- Printers and scanners
- Keyboards, mice, and peripherals
- Small appliances (with doors removed)
- Rigid plastic electronics
Accepted through HHW collection
- Electronics with batteries removed
- Items that contain hazardous components
- Devices in sealed, labeled containers (30-gallon limit per collection)
Accepted at Recycle and Reuse Center
- Computers, monitors, TVs
- Printers and peripherals
- Phones and tablets
- Small electronics
What may have separate fees
- Large TVs (especially CRT and rear-projection)
- Large monitors (30+ inches)
- Items with Freon or refrigerants (these go through the appliance route, not e-waste)
Business and Bulk Quantity Rules
City e-waste programs serve household-generated waste only.
- Commercial or industrial e-waste is not accepted through residential bulk or HHW collection.
- Businesses should use a licensed e-waste recycler or manufacturer take-back program.
- The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) maintains resources for business e-waste recycling.
- Property managers with bulk e-waste from multi-family units should coordinate with a commercial recycler.
Apartment and Renter Edge Cases
If you live in an apartment or condo, your options depend on your building's waste service.
On-demand pickup
Renters whose complex uses a private waste hauler may not be eligible for the city's on-demand bulk or HHW collection. The program requires an Austin Resource Recovery account. Verify with 311 whether your address qualifies.
Self-haul
Even if you cannot get curbside pickup, you can still make an appointment at the Recycle and Reuse Center as an individual resident. This is the most reliable route for apartment dwellers.
Retailer take-back
Best Buy, Staples, and other retailers accept e-waste regardless of your residence type. Call first to confirm acceptance and fees.
How to Prepare E-Waste for Disposal
Step-by-step preparation
- Back up your data — transfer files you want to keep.
- Factory reset — wipe the device according to the manufacturer's instructions.
- Remove storage — remove hard drives, SIM cards, and memory cards.
- Remove batteries — if possible, remove batteries from devices. Batteries may need separate disposal through the HHW program.
- For bulk pickup: Place electronics in the metal/rigid plastics pile at the curb by 5:30 a.m. on your scheduled date.
- For HHW pickup: Place items in sealed, labeled containers (30-gallon limit).
- For drop-off: Secure items in your vehicle to prevent damage during transport. Keep cables and accessories together.
Transport tips
E-waste can be bulky and fragile. When hauling to the Recycle and Reuse Center:
- Protect screens — place TVs and monitors upright or flat with padding. Cracking a screen makes the item harder to recycle.
- Secure loose items — place keyboards, mice, and cables in a box or bag so they do not slide around during transport.
- Keep cables together — bundle cords with a twist tie or rubber band so they do not get lost or tangled.
- Use the trunk or truck bed — e-waste can shift during braking. Keep items upright and away from passengers.
- Check dimensions first — a large CRT monitor or rear-projection TV may not fit in a small car. Measure your trunk or cargo area before scheduling drop-off.
What to bring
- Photo ID showing your Austin or Travis County address.
- Appointment confirmation (if dropping off at Recycle and Reuse Center).
- Proof of residency if required.
Potential Fees and Costs
| Route | Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| On-demand HHW collection | Not confirmed | No fee amount mentioned on source pages. Ask when scheduling. |
| On-demand bulk collection | Not confirmed | Same — no per-collection fee confirmed. |
| Recycle and Reuse Center drop-off | Free for Austin/Travis County residents | Per-item fees for TVs and monitors: UNKNOWN. Non-resident fees: UNKNOWN. |
| Retailer take-back | Varies | Best Buy and Staples may charge for TVs and monitors. Call first. |
Important: No per-item or per-collection fee amounts are published here because official sources do not confirm them. Always ask about fees when scheduling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put e-waste in my regular trash cart?
No. Electronics and e-waste are not accepted in regular trash or recycling carts. They contain hazardous materials that require special handling through the HHW program, bulk collection, or drop-off.
Do I need an appointment for every disposal route?
Yes. All three city-managed routes — HHW on-demand collection, bulk on-demand collection, and Recycle and Reuse Center drop-off — require an appointment. Schedule through the Austin Recycles app, My Schedule tool, or by calling 311. Retailer take-back and manufacturer mail-back do not require appointments, but you should call the store or check the manufacturer's website first.
Can I dispose of e-waste from a business or rental property?
Only if it is your own household waste. The city's residential programs serve household-generated waste only. Commercial, industrial, or property-management e-waste requires a licensed recycler. If you manage a multi-unit building, check with a commercial e-waste recycling service.
Why are TV and monitor fees not listed here?
Official Austin Resource Recovery pages do not publish per-item fee amounts for TVs and monitors at the Recycle and Reuse Center. It is possible fees vary by size or type. The only reliable way to get a specific answer is to ask when you schedule your appointment — call 311 or use the Austin Recycles app.
Official Verification Checklist
Use this when calling 311 or scheduling through the Austin Recycles app. Tick each item as you confirm it.
- Choose your route — HHW collection, bulk collection, or drop-off.
- Schedule the appointment — through Austin Recycles app, My Schedule tool, or 311.
- Confirm e-waste is accepted — specifically the items you have.
- Ask about TV/monitor fees — any per-item charges at drop-off.
- Confirm quantity limits — how many items per collection or per visit.
- Check apartment eligibility — if renting, verify your address qualifies.
- Confirm data protection — wipe and factory reset devices before disposal.
- Remove batteries — separate batteries for HHW disposal.
- Verify drop-off hours — Recycle and Reuse Center hours when scheduling.
- Confirm Recycle and Reuse Center address — 2514 Business Center Dr.
Sources
- Austin Resource Recovery — City of Austin — Official municipal hub for waste and recycling services.
- On-demand HHW and Bulk Collection Program — Program details, eligibility, and scheduling for e-waste.
- Recycle and Reuse Center — Drop-off location and appointment information.
This guide is based on official sources available as of July 2026. Fees, policies, and hours change. Always call 311 or check the Austin Recycles app to verify current information before disposing of e-waste.