Key Takeaways
- Oregon's E-Cycles program provides free recycling for computers, monitors, TVs, and printers — funded by manufacturers, not taxpayers.
- Over 200 collection sites operate across Oregon, including retail stores, transfer stations, and nonprofit partners.
- Not all electronics are covered by E-Cycles. Small appliances, phones, and peripherals often need different recycling paths.
- Always wipe personal data before recycling any device that stored files, passwords, or personal information.
- Businesses with large volumes should contact certified e-waste recyclers directly for pickup service and certificates of destruction.
Oregon E-Cycles Program Explained
Oregon's E-Cycles program is one of the best electronics recycling programs in the country. Established under ORS 459A.300-365, it requires manufacturers of computers, monitors, TVs, and printers to fund a statewide collection and recycling system.
For consumers, the program is completely free. You bring covered devices to any participating collection site, drop them off, and they are recycled through certified facilities. No appointments, no fees, no paperwork.
How It Works
- Find a collection site near you (see city-by-city listings below)
- Remove personal data from any device with storage
- Transport the device to the drop-off location during operating hours
- Hand it to staff or place it in the designated collection area
The devices are then transported to certified recycling facilities where they are dismantled. Metals, plastics, glass, and circuit boards are separated and processed for reuse. Hazardous materials like lead, mercury, and cadmium are safely contained.
What Devices Are Covered
| Covered by E-Cycles (Free) | NOT Covered (Separate Recycling Needed) |
|---|---|
| Desktop computers and laptops | Cell phones and tablets |
| Computer monitors (LCD, LED, CRT) | Small kitchen appliances |
| Televisions (all types) | Stereos and speakers |
| Printers (desktop) | Game consoles |
| Computer peripherals (keyboards, mice) | Cables and cords |
| Portable DVD players | Batteries |
For non-covered electronics, many collection sites still accept them — sometimes for a small fee. Retailers like Best Buy and Staples also accept a broader range of electronics. Cell phones can be recycled through carrier stores or Call2Recycle drop-off boxes.
Portland Metro Drop-Off Locations
The Portland metro area has the highest concentration of e-waste recycling options in Oregon:
Metro Transfer Stations
- Metro Central Transfer Station — NW Portland. Accepts all E-Cycles covered devices plus additional electronics.
- Metro South Transfer Station — Oregon City. Full E-Cycles collection site with expanded hours on weekends.
Retail Collection Points
- Best Buy — Multiple Portland metro locations accept TVs (recycling fee for TVs over 32"), computers, and small electronics.
- Staples — Accepts computers, monitors, and printers at all Portland area stores.
- Goodwill — Many locations partner with Dell Reconnect to recycle computer equipment.
Specialized E-Waste Recyclers
- Free Geek — A Portland nonprofit that refurbishes donated computers for community distribution. They accept a wide range of electronics and provide the highest-impact reuse option.
- EcoTech Recycling — Certified e-waste recycler serving the Portland metro area with business and residential services.
Eugene and Lane County
- Lane County Transfer Stations — Glenwood and other locations accept E-Cycles devices at no charge.
- Next Step Recycling — Eugene-based nonprofit offering free electronics recycling and refurbishment programs.
- Best Buy Eugene — Standard Best Buy electronics recycling program.
- St. Vincent de Paul — Some Eugene locations accept working electronics for resale.
Salem and Mid-Valley
- Marion County Environmental Services — Electronics collection at the transfer station on Deer Park Drive.
- Covanta Marion — Accepts E-Cycles devices at their facility.
- Best Buy Salem — Standard electronics recycling services.
- Goodwill Salem — Dell Reconnect partner for computer equipment.
Other Oregon Cities
Corvallis
Benton County transfer station accepts E-Cycles devices. Republic Services operates collection events periodically.
Bend and Central Oregon
Deschutes County transfer station in Bend accepts covered electronics. Opportunity Foundation of Central Oregon also accepts working electronics.
Medford and Southern Oregon
Jackson County accepts E-Cycles devices at the transfer stations in White City. Best Buy Medford provides additional drop-off options.
Oregon Coast
Coastal counties have fewer permanent sites but participate in E-Cycles through periodic collection events. Check with your local solid waste management district for scheduled dates.
Retailer Take-Back Programs
| Retailer | What They Accept | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Best Buy | TVs, computers, monitors, phones, small electronics | Free (except TVs over 32": $29.99) |
| Staples | Computers, monitors, printers, ink cartridges | Free |
| Apple Store | Any Apple device | Free (may offer gift card for newer devices) |
| Cell carrier stores | Phones, tablets, smartwatches | Free |
Data Security Before Recycling
Before recycling any device that stored personal information, take these steps:
Computers and Laptops
- Back up any files you want to keep
- Sign out of all accounts (email, cloud storage, browsers)
- Perform a factory reset (Windows: Settings > Recovery > Reset this PC; Mac: Restart in Recovery Mode > Erase Disk)
- For maximum security, use a disk-wiping tool like DBAN to overwrite the drive
Phones and Tablets
- Back up photos and contacts
- Remove SIM card and memory card
- Perform a factory reset from settings
- Remove the device from your Apple ID or Google account
Printers
Modern printers store copies of recent documents. Perform a factory reset from the printer's settings menu, or consult the manual for clearing stored data.
Business and Large-Volume E-Waste
If you are recycling more than a few items — an office cleanout, IT equipment refresh, or estate with extensive electronics — contact a certified e-waste recycler directly for scheduled pickup and a certificate of destruction.
For mixed loads that include electronics along with furniture and general junk, professional junk removal with electronics recycling handles everything in one visit. The crew separates e-waste from general items and routes each to the appropriate facility.
