Item: Electronics and e-waste (computers, TVs, monitors, phones, peripherals, batteries) Jurisdiction: Seattle city limits / King County, Washington Last updated: July 2026
Quick Answer
Seattle bans electronics and batteries from regular garbage and recycling per Director's Rule SW-404. This applies to all residential and commercial customers within city limits. There are four main disposal routes:
- Free HHW facility drop-off — North Seattle HHW Facility (12550 Stone Ave N, Sun–Tue 9–5) or any King County HHW site. Free for King County residents. No appointment needed.
- Free E-Cycle Washington program — statewide free electronics recycling for households. Find a drop-off location near you.
- Special Item Collection pickup — $20 for a small electronics box, $30 for large TVs over 2'x2'x2'. Single-family residential customers only.
- Retailer take-back — Best Buy, Staples, and others may accept electronics (call first; policies vary).
Before disposal: Factory reset all devices. For sensitive data, remove and physically destroy hard drives. Remove batteries from devices and recycle them separately where possible.
Quick Facts
- Garbage ban: Seattle Director's Rule SW-404 — electronics and batteries banned from garbage and recycling
- Covers: Computers, monitors, TVs, phones, tablets, peripherals, gadgets with embedded batteries, e-bikes, batteries of all types
- Free drop-off: North Seattle HHW Facility (12550 Stone Ave N, Sun–Tue 9–5) and King County HHW sites
- Free program: E-Cycle Washington — for Washington households only
- City pickup: Special Item Collection — $20 small box, $30 large items
- Retail take-back: Best Buy, Staples — call the specific Seattle store first
- Data prep: Factory reset required; hard drive removal recommended for sensitive data
- Batteries: Remove from devices and recycle separately if possible
- South HHW facility: Exists but address/hours not confirmed in available sources
- Business waste: Not eligible for free HHW programs or E-Cycle Washington
Seattle's Electronics and Battery Ban (SW-404)
Seattle's Director's Rule SW-404 makes it illegal to dispose of batteries and electronics in garbage or recycling. The ban covers:
- All batteries (household alkaline, rechargeable, lithium-ion, button cell, lead-acid)
- Computers, laptops, and tablets
- Monitors and TVs (CRT, LCD, LED, plasma)
- Cell phones and smartphones
- Printers, scanners, and peripherals
- Video game consoles
- E-readers and portable electronics
- Power tools with batteries
- E-bikes and scooters (with batteries)
- Any device with an embedded battery
The ban applies to both residential and commercial customers and includes garbage and recycling at transfer stations. Violations may result in penalties.
Why the ban exists: Electronics contain hazardous materials including lead, mercury, cadmium, and lithium. When disposed of in landfills or incinerators, these materials can leak into the environment. Lithium-ion batteries in particular cause fires in garbage trucks and recycling facilities.
Free HHW Facility Drop-Off
North Seattle HHW Facility
- Address: 12550 Stone Ave N
- Hours: Sunday–Tuesday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (per seattle.gov — a Recology partner site shows 9:30–4:30; call ahead)
- Appointment: Not required
- Cost: Free for King County residents
- Accepts: Most electronics, batteries, and other HHW
South Seattle HHW Facility
A South facility exists but its address and hours are not confirmed in available sources. If the South location is closer, check the SPU website or call for current details.
King County HHW Sites
Seattle residents can also use King County HHW collection sites:
- Factoria Recycling & Transfer Station — Tue–Sun, HHW drop-off on site
- Auburn — hours vary
- Wastemobile (seasonal) — mobile service at various locations
All King County HHW sites accept e-waste free for county residents. Fees for certain items (CRT TVs, monitors) at some county sites are not fully confirmed — ask when you call.
E-Cycle Washington Program
E-Cycle Washington is a statewide program that provides free electronics recycling for Washington households. The program is funded by electronics manufacturers.
Accepted items (free for households):
- Desktop and laptop computers
- Monitors
- TVs
- Tablets and e-readers
- Keyboards, mice, and peripherals
Not accepted:
- Business/government electronics (households only)
- Small household appliances
- Batteries (recycle separately)
- Items not on the E-Cycle Washington list
Finding a drop-off location: Use the E-Cycle Washington website to find participating drop-off sites near your Seattle address. Specific Seattle-area locations are not verified in this guide — search for "E-Cycle Washington drop-off Seattle" or check the program website.
Important: E-Cycle Washington is for households only. Businesses and organizations cannot use this program.
Special Item Collection for E-Waste
Seattle residential garbage customers can schedule a Special Item Collection for electronics:
- $20 Special Items box — for small electronics, peripherals, cords, and batteries packed in one container
- $30 per large item — for TVs and monitors over 2' x 2' x 2'
- Schedule online through the Seattle Public Utilities website
- Available to single-family residential garbage customers with city-issued carts only
- Apartment and condo residents: verify eligibility by calling SPU with your address
Preparation for pickup:
- Place items at curb by 7:00 AM on collection day or after 6:00 PM the night before
- Bundle cords and cables together
- Remove batteries from devices where possible
- Factory reset devices before disposal
Retailer Take-Back Programs
Several national retailers offer electronics recycling, but policies vary significantly by location and change without notice.
Best Buy:
- Accepts most electronics for recycling
- Some items (CRT TVs, monitors) may have a fee ($10–30)
- Check the specific Seattle Best Buy location for current policies
Staples:
- Accepts computers, monitors, and peripherals
- Policies vary by store — call the Seattle location
Before going to any retailer:
- Call the specific Seattle store — do not rely on national corporate policies advertised online
- Ask: What electronics do you accept? Are there fees? Are there quantity limits?
- Confirm current policies — they change frequently
Data Destruction Preparation
This is the most important step before disposing of any device that stored personal data.
For smartphones, tablets, and laptops:
- Factory reset the device — this restores it to original settings
- Remove all accounts (Apple ID, Google account, Microsoft account)
- Remove SIM and SD cards
- Remove the battery if possible
For computers with hard drives:
- Factory reset may not be sufficient to prevent data recovery
- Remove the hard drive and physically destroy it (drill through the platters, or use a certified data destruction service)
- For SSDs, use manufacturer-approved secure erase software or physical destruction
For all devices:
- Remove batteries where possible and recycle them separately
- Bundle cords and cables with the main device for transport
- Keep a record of serial numbers for high-value disposed items if needed for insurance or warranty purposes
Business and Commercial E-Waste
Free e-waste programs (HHW facilities, E-Cycle Washington) are for households only.
- Businesses must use a licensed e-waste recycler
- E-Cycle Washington explicitly excludes business, government, and institutional waste
- Schools, nonprofits, and organizations are not eligible for household programs
If your Seattle business needs electronics disposal, search for "Seattle commercial e-waste recycling" or contact a certified electronics recycler. Get a written quote that confirms they handle data destruction and provide a certificate of recycling.
Apartment and Renter Options
Apartment resident with old TV or computer: You are eligible to use Seattle HHW facilities and King County HHW sites as an individual King County resident. Your building's waste service does not affect your eligibility.
No vehicle? HHW facilities require drop-off. If you cannot transport electronics yourself:
- Check retailer take-back (call first — they are often in walkable locations)
- Use Special Item Collection (if your address is eligible)
- Ask a neighbor with a car
- Do not transport electronics on public transit — they are heavy and contain hazardous components
Multiple devices from move-out: HHW facilities accept multiple items per visit. Call ahead to confirm quantity limits. If you have a large volume, consider using the North facility (free, no appointment) or an E-Cycle Washington drop-off location.
Costs and Fees
| Option | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| North Seattle HHW Facility | Free | King County residents only |
| King County HHW sites | Free | Fees for some items (CRT TVs) unconfirmed |
| E-Cycle Washington | Free | Households only |
| Special Item Collection (small box) | $20 | For small electronics |
| Special Item Collection (large TV) | $30 | Over 2'x2'x2' |
| Retailer take-back | Varies | Best Buy may charge $10–30 for CRTs |
Route Comparison
| Option | Cost | Pros | Cons | Verify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HHW Facility (North Seattle / King County) | Free | Accepts most e-waste, no appointment | Limited hours (Sun–Tue North), South facility unconfirmed | Check HHW hours and accepted items |
| E-Cycle Washington | Free | Many drop-off locations statewide | Households only, fees possible for some items | Find nearest drop-off online |
| Special Item Collection | $20–30 | Convenient pickup, no vehicle needed | Fee required, single-family eligibility only | Check SPU website |
| Retailer Take-Back (Best Buy, Staples) | Varies | Convenient, during store hours | Policies change, fees for CRTs/large items | Call specific Seattle store |
Mistakes to Avoid
1. Throwing electronics in the garbage
Seattle bans electronics and batteries from garbage and recycling (SW-404). Violations may result in penalties. This ban also helps prevent battery fires in collection trucks.
2. Forgetting to factory reset
Your personal data survives on disposed devices. Factory reset is the minimum — for sensitive data, physically destroy the hard drive.
3. Leaving batteries in devices
Lithium-ion batteries can catch fire during recycling processing. Remove batteries from all devices before disposal and recycle them through battery-specific collection.
4. Assuming retailer take-back is free
Not all stores accept e-waste for free. CRT TVs in particular often carry fees. Call the specific store to confirm costs before hauling.
5. Crushing or breaking CRTs
Older CRT monitors and TVs contain leaded glass and high-voltage components. Never attempt to break them open — handle as hazardous waste.
6. Ignoring the South facility option
The South HHW facility may be more convenient for your location. Its address and hours are not confirmed in available sources, but it may be worth checking.
7. Taking e-waste to a transfer station
Seattle Transfer Stations do not accept HHW or electronics. Use dedicated HHW facilities or other programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put an old TV in my Seattle garbage cart? No. Seattle bans electronics and batteries from garbage and recycling per Director's Rule SW-404.
Is e-waste disposal free in Seattle? Yes, at King County HHW facilities and through E-Cycle Washington for households. Some items (CRT TVs) may have fees at certain locations.
Can I schedule a pickup for old electronics? Yes, through Special Item Collection ($20 small box, $30 large TV). Only for Seattle residential garbage customers.
What about data on my old computer? Factory reset the device. For sensitive data, remove and physically destroy the hard drive — factory reset alone is not always sufficient.
Do I need to remove batteries before recycling electronics? Yes. Remove batteries if possible and recycle them separately through battery-specific collection programs.
Can my business use the free e-waste programs? No. Free HHW programs and E-Cycle Washington are for households only. Businesses must use a licensed e-waste recycler.
Official Verification Checklist
- Confirm HHW facility or drop-off hours today — verify open before hauling electronics
- Confirm fees for specific items (CRT vs. flat-panel TV, monitor) — fees may apply for certain items
- Confirm data destruction expectations — do they require proof of data destruction?
- Confirm quantity limits per visit — how many items accepted per trip?
- Confirm battery removal requirement — must batteries be removed from devices?
- Confirm E-Cycle Washington location near you — find the closest participating drop-off site
- Check retailer take-back policy if using that route — call specific store, do not rely on national policy
- Factory reset all devices — do this before you leave for the drop-off
Sources
- Ban on Batteries and Electronics — Seattle Public Utilities (SW-404)
- Special Item Collections — Seattle Public Utilities
- Where to Dispose of Hazardous Waste — Seattle Public Utilities
- Hazardous Waste Management Program — King County
- Proper Disposal of Batteries and Electronics (PDF) — Seattle Public Utilities
This guide is based on official sources available as of July 2026. Facility policies, fees, hours, and eligibility rules change. Always verify current information before hauling electronics for disposal.