Electronics Recycling in El Cajon
11 certified recycling centers serving the El Cajon area
Recycling Centers in El Cajon
Find certified e-waste disposal facilities near you
About Electronics Recycling in El Cajon
El Cajon is home to 11 certified electronics recycling centers, making it easier than ever for neighbors and local businesses to responsibly part with old computers, phones, TVs, and other electronic devices.
For El Cajon's 106,106,215 residents, 6 recycling facilities offer a safe haven for various electronic items. This includes computers, phones, televisions, monitors, batteries, and cables. Each center is equipped to handle these e-waste products, ensuring that the community can effectively participate in sustainable practices.
Improperly discarded electronics can lead to hazardous materials leaching into the environment, creating long-lasting issues for local ecosystems. California has established stringent regulations that prohibit the disposal of covered electronic devices in landfills. These laws encourage residents to engage with authorized recycling centers, where valuable materials can be recovered and reused. The environmental benefits are significant, as recycling not only conserves resources but also reduces pollution.
Community engagement in El Cajon plays a vital role in promoting sustainable practices. Local initiatives often encourage participation in e-waste collection events, providing residents with an opportunity to contribute to a greener future. This involvement also has positive repercussions for the local economy, generating jobs within the recycling sector. As more individuals take part in these programs, the community strengthens its commitment to sustainability while simultaneously fostering economic growth.
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Did you know? Proper e-waste recycling can recover precious metals like gold, silver, and platinum from old electronics.
Read our Ultimate Guide to Electronics Recycling to learn more about the recycling process and environmental benefits.
Read the GuideRecycling Centers (11)
American Recycling llc
Company logo for American Recycling llc, an electronics recycling center
Professional waste management company providing certified electronics recycling and environmental disposal services. This facility has been verified as a legitimate electronics recycling operation with high standards for environmental compliance and data security. Located in El Cajon, California, this facility serves the local community with responsible electronics disposal services. Services include Certified e-waste processing, Environmental compliance. Contact them at (619) 593-0089 for specific information about accepted items and operating hours.
Best Buy
Company logo for Best Buy, an electronics recycling center
Major retail chain offering convenient electronics recycling services as part of their customer service programs. This facility has been verified as a legitimate electronics recycling operation with high standards for environmental compliance and data security. Located in El Cajon, California, this facility serves the local community with responsible electronics disposal services. Services include In-store electronics drop-off, Trade-in programs. Contact them at (619) 401-6705 for specific information about accepted items and operating hours.
California Metals & Electronic
Company logo for California Metals & Electronic, an electronics recycling center
Electronics recycling facility providing safe and responsible disposal services for electronic devices. This facility has been verified as a legitimate recycling operation with proper environmental compliance. Located in El Cajon, California, serving the local community. Contact +1 619-444-2136 for specific information about accepted items and services.
ecoATM
Company logo for ecoATM, an electronics recycling center
Electronics recycling facility providing safe and responsible disposal services for electronic devices. This facility has been verified as a legitimate recycling operation with proper environmental compliance. Located in El Cajon, California, serving the local community. Contact +1 858-255-4111 for specific information about accepted items and services.
Greenfield Recycling Center
Professional waste management company providing certified electronics recycling and environmental disposal services. This facility has been verified as a legitimate electronics recycling operation with high standards for environmental compliance and data security. Located in El Cajon, California, this facility serves the local community with responsible electronics disposal services. Services include Certified e-waste processing, Environmental compliance. Contact them at (619) 441-0399 for specific information about accepted items and operating hours.
iSquad Repair El Cajon
Company logo for iSquad Repair El Cajon, an electronics recycling center
Computer repair and service center offering electronics recycling for devices that cannot be repaired or refurbished. This facility has been verified as a legitimate electronics recycling operation with high standards for environmental compliance and data security. Located in El Cajon, California, this facility serves the local community with responsible electronics disposal services. Services include Computer repair and recycling, Data recovery and destruction. Contact them at 619-938-4141 for specific information about accepted items and operating hours.
Miller Metals Co.
Company logo for Miller Metals Co., an electronics recycling center
Electronics recycling facility providing safe and responsible disposal services for electronic devices. Located in El Cajon, California, serving the local community. Contact 619.444.2136 for specific information about accepted items and services.
Murphy's Surplus
Company logo for Murphy's Surplus, an electronics recycling center
Electronics recycling facility providing safe and responsible disposal services for electronic devices. Located in El Cajon, California, serving the local community. Contact +1 619-444-7717 for specific information about accepted items and services.
One Earth Recycling
Professional waste management company providing certified electronics recycling and environmental disposal services. This facility has been verified as a legitimate electronics recycling operation with high standards for environmental compliance and data security. Located in El Cajon, California, this facility serves the local community with responsible electronics disposal services. Services include Certified e-waste processing, Environmental compliance. Contact them at 619.444.2136 for specific information about accepted items and operating hours.
Universal Waste Disposal Company
Company logo for Universal Waste Disposal Company, an electronics recycling center
Professional waste management company providing certified electronics recycling and environmental disposal services. This facility has been verified as a legitimate electronics recycling operation with high standards for environmental compliance and data security. Located in El Cajon, California, this facility serves the local community with responsible electronics disposal services. Services include Certified e-waste processing, Environmental compliance. Contact them at 619.438.1093 for specific information about accepted items and operating hours.
Waste Management Recycling Center
Professional waste management company providing certified electronics recycling and environmental disposal services. This facility meets basic standards for electronics recycling operations. Located in El Cajon, California, this facility serves the local community with responsible electronics disposal services. Services include Certified e-waste processing, Environmental compliance. Contact them at +1 619-596-5100 for specific information about accepted items and operating hours.
Recent Recycling News in El Cajon
Latest news and updates about electronics recycling in El Cajon, California
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Environmental Impact in El Cajon
Environmental benefit from local electronics recycling
Valuable materials recovered for reuse
Local economic benefits from recycling industry
California E-Waste Regulations
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there e-waste disposal laws in El Cajon, California?
Yes, California prohibits disposal of electronics in landfills. California prohibits disposal of covered electronic devices in landfills. All computers, monitors, TVs, and portable devices must be recycled through authorized facilities. Violations can result in fines range from $1,000 to $50,000 per violation for improper disposal.
What environmental impact does electronics recycling have in El Cajon?
Electronics recycling in El Cajon saves approximately 841,223 pounds of CO2 annually. The community also recovers 56,082 pounds of valuable metals and 84,122 pounds of plastics each year.
How does electronics recycling benefit El Cajon's economy?
Electronics recycling supports 10 local jobs in El Cajon and generates approximately $858,322 in economic impact annually. This includes direct employment, supplier relationships, and induced economic activity.
How much e-waste does El Cajon generate annually?
With a population of 106,215, El Cajon generates approximately 2,336,730 pounds of electronic waste annually. Currently, about 20% is properly recycled, leaving room for improvement through increased community participation.
Why Recycling Matters in El Cajon
For El Cajon's 106,215 residents, electronics recycling represents an accessible environmental action with real impact. Approximately 20% of local e-waste currently moves through responsible channels. Electronics recycling in El Cajon helps recover valuable materials, reduces landfill waste, and prevents toxic substances from contaminating local soil and groundwater.
When El Cajon residents choose to recycle their electronics through certified facilities, they're not just disposing of old devices—they're contributing to a circular economy that reduces the need for new mining operations, prevents toxic materials from entering local landfills, and supports local jobs in the recycling industry. Every smartphone, laptop, or TV properly recycled helps protect El Cajon's environment for future generations.
Local Best Practices
Check for Local Collection Events
El Cajon may host periodic electronics collection events, especially during spring and fall cleanup periods. Contact your local waste management department or check community calendars for upcoming e-waste collection days.
Business Recycling Programs
If you're a business owner in El Cajon, many recycling centers offer specialized programs for commercial e-waste disposal, including scheduled pickups and bulk recycling services. This can help your business comply with California regulations while supporting local recycling efforts.
Legal Compliance
California law prohibits disposing electronics in regular trash. Using certified recycling facilities ensures you're in compliance with state regulations and helps protect El Cajon's environment from hazardous materials.
Resident's Guide to Electronics Recycling in El Cajon
This practical guide helps El Cajon residents navigate electronics recycling with confidence. Follow these steps and tips to ensure your devices are disposed of safely and responsibly.
Step-by-Step Recycling Process
Prepare Your Devices
Remove all personal data using factory reset or data wiping software. Remove batteries from devices if possible.
Gather Your Electronics
Collect all devices you want to recycle. Check our list of 11 centers in El Cajon to see which items each accepts.
Call Ahead
Contact your chosen recycling center to confirm hours, accepted items, and any fees. Some centers offer free drop-off for residents.
Transport Safely
Pack devices securely to prevent damage during transport. Keep batteries separate if removed.
Drop Off and Get Receipt
Bring your electronics to the center during business hours. Request a receipt for your records, especially if you're recycling for business purposes.
What NOT to Include
To ensure safe recycling and protect workers, avoid including these items:
- Batteries that are leaking or damaged (these require special handling)
- Devices with personal data that hasn't been wiped
- Items mixed with regular trash or other recyclables
- Electronics that have been exposed to water damage without proper assessment
- Devices with unknown or suspicious origins
Local Tips for El Cajon Residents
- California law prohibits disposing electronics in regular trash. Always use certified recycling facilities.
- Check with El Cajon municipal programs for free or low-cost recycling events throughout the year.
- With a 20% recycling rate, El Cajon has room to improve. Every device you recycle makes a difference.
- Call ahead to confirm what items each center accepts and their hours of operation.
- Remove all personal data from devices before recycling to protect your privacy.
- Some centers offer free pickup for large quantities - ask about bulk recycling services.
Learn More About Electronics Recycling
Explore our comprehensive guides and articles to learn more about responsible electronics recycling, data security, and environmental impact.
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Is Your Electronics Recycling Business Missing from Our Directory? Here’s Why That’s a Problem (And How to Fix It)
Some of the best electronics recyclers operate locally, serve their communities faithfully, and somehow slip through the cracks of automated data gathering.
The Psychology of Hoarding: Why We Keep Broken Electronics and How to Finally Let Go
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The Hidden Goldmine: How Small Electronics Recycling Businesses Are Thriving in 2025
With e-waste generation rising faster than large-scale processing capacity can handle, entrepreneurial recyclers are finding profitable niches that big players often overlook.
Before You Go
Remove personal data, call ahead to confirm accepted items and hours. California requires proper e-waste disposal - never put electronics in regular trash.