Sustainability
Electronics Recycling (E-Waste)
Since 2008, the City of Lawrence and Douglas County have hosted periodic electronics recycling events, inviting customers to drop off their recyclable electronics free of charge.
The most recent event was held on May 13, 2023 and is the only event planned for this year. In addition to these recycling events, those looking to recycle electronics should utilize the recyclable materials directory to find additional drop-off sites and other recycling options throughout the year. The annual recycling events are the only government-sponsored electronics disposal option able to be offered at this time.
To learn more about the most recent event hosted by our partners at City of Lawrence, visit: https://lawrenceks.org/mso/electronics-recycling/
Recyclable Electronics Materials
The following materials are typically accepted at period community electronics recycling events
The following materials are typically accepted at period community electronics recycling events:
- anything with a cord or battery
- computers, laptops, monitors**, speakers, keyboards, mice, servers,
- microwaves, TVs**, gaming systems,
- light fixtures, (non-PCB) ballasts,
- stereos, radios, phones, audio / visual equipment,
- lab equipment, cables, battery backup systems,
- other small appliances
**CRT TVs and monitors are accepted for a fee. Costs are typically $20 and $40 per unit, depending on size.
Materials Not Accepted:
- fire alarms, smoke detectors, and thermometers
- all light bulbs and PCB ballasts
- alkaline batteries (Douglas County residents can make an appointment to take these items to Household Hazardous Waste)
- chemicals of any kind, especially hazardous ones
- tires and furniture
- large appliances and devices containing Freon
Historical Data
Since 2008, the City of Lawrence and Douglas County have hosted periodic electronics recycling events, inviting customers to drop off their recyclable electronics free of charge.
Years 2008-2018 in the table below reflect the combined totals from two electronics recycling events per year. Totals from years 2020-2022 were from one event only. Events that also collected paper for shredding are in parenthesis.
Year | Pounds | Vehicles |
2022 | 72,489 | 936 |
2021 | 79,180 | 1,085 |
2020 | 99,940 | 1,500+ |
2018 | 170,260 | 1,851 |
2017 | 46,962 | 739 |
2016 | 152,683 (31,300) | 1,778 |
2015 | 138,849 | 1,535 |
2014 | 87,772 | 1,054 |
2013 | 155,896 (27,400) | 1,582 |
2012 | 91,981 | 1,149 |
2011 | 85,165 | 1,163 |
2010 | 114,285 | 1,232 |
2009 | 116,712 | 1,202 |
2008 | 112,647 | 1,189 |
Total | 1,445,640 (58,700) | 16,910+ |