Recycling Centers in Ames
Find certified e-waste disposal facilities near you
About Electronics Recycling in Ames
Ames is home to 14 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.
Ames maintains 14 electronics recycling centers where area residents can conveniently drop off a variety of items, including computers, phones, TVs, monitors, batteries, and cables. With a population of 185, the community benefits from having multiple facilities dedicated to reducing electronic waste and ensuring proper handling of these materials. This network of recycling centers offers an accessible option for those looking to declutter their homes while also contributing to environmental sustainability.
Iowa approaches e-waste through local guidelines that emphasize the recovery of valuable materials like metals and plastics. By properly recycling electronic devices, residents not only help protect the environment but also support the conservation of resources. The recycling centers in Ames play a crucial role in diverting hazardous components from landfills, ultimately leading to a reduction in pollution and waste. This commitment to environmental stewardship resonates with the community and enhances the overall quality of life.
With multiple access points throughout Ames, residents find it easy to engage in recycling initiatives. This accessibility promotes participation, fostering a culture of responsibility toward electronic waste management. Beyond environmental benefits, the recycling centers contribute positively to the local economy by creating jobs and supporting businesses that specialize in e-waste processing. Community members can take pride in their role in creating a cleaner, more sustainable environment while also benefiting from the economic opportunities that arise from responsible recycling efforts.
Popular Services
Customer Reviews
Based on 3,039 reviews from 13 businesses
Recycling Centers (14)
Ames Bottle and Can
Company logo for Ames Bottle and Can, an electronics recycling center
Electronics recycling facility providing safe and responsible disposal services for electronic devices. Located in Ames, Iowa, serving the local community. Contact +1 515-207-0297 for specific information about accepted items and services.
Arnold O. Chantland Resource Recovery Plant
Electronics recycling facility providing safe and responsible disposal services for electronic devices. Located in Ames, Iowa, serving the local community. Contact +1 515-239-5136 for specific information about accepted items and services.
Bell Salvage
Company logo for Bell Salvage, 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 Ames, Iowa, serving the local community. Contact +1 515-232-9372 for specific information about accepted items and services.
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 Ames, Iowa, this facility serves the local community with responsible electronics disposal services. Services include In-store electronics drop-off, Trade-in programs. Contact them at (515) 232-4415 for specific information about accepted items and operating hours.
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 Ames, Iowa, serving the local community. Contact +1 858-324-4111 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 Ames, Iowa, serving the local community. Contact +1 858-324-4111 for specific information about accepted items and services.
Geek Squad
Company logo for Geek Squad, an electronics recycling center
Electronics recycling facility providing safe and responsible disposal services for electronic devices. Located in Ames, Iowa, serving the local community. Contact (515) 232-4415 for specific information about accepted items and services.
HomeTown Tech
Company logo for HomeTown Tech, an electronics recycling center
Specialized electronics retailer offering comprehensive recycling services for consumer electronics, computers, and mobile devices. This facility has been verified as a legitimate electronics recycling operation with high standards for environmental compliance and data security. Located in Ames, Iowa, this facility serves the local community with responsible electronics disposal services. Services include Consumer electronics recycling, Computer and laptop disposal. Contact them at (515) 233-8324 for specific information about accepted items and operating hours.
Iowa State University Book Store
Company logo for Iowa State University Book Store, an electronics recycling center
Electronics recycling facility providing safe and responsible disposal services for electronic devices. Located in Ames, Iowa, serving the local community. Contact +1 515-294-5684 for specific information about accepted items and services.
Jerry Carney & Sons, Inc.
Company logo for Jerry Carney & Sons, Inc., 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 Ames, Iowa, serving the local community. Contact 800-262-3808 for specific information about accepted items and services.
Staples
Company logo for Staples, an electronics recycling center
Major retail chain offering convenient electronics recycling services as part of their customer service programs. This facility meets basic standards for electronics recycling operations. Located in Ames, Iowa, this facility serves the local community with responsible electronics disposal services. Services include In-store electronics drop-off, Trade-in programs. Contact them at +1 515-663-0597 for specific information about accepted items and operating hours.
Steenhoek Environmental
Company logo for Steenhoek Environmental, 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 Ames, Iowa, this facility serves the local community with responsible electronics disposal services. Services include Certified e-waste processing, Environmental compliance. Contact them at +1 515-599-0503 for specific information about accepted items and operating hours.
The Salvation Army Family Store & Donation Center
Company logo for The Salvation Army Family Store & Donation Center, an electronics recycling center
Nonprofit organization accepting electronics donations and providing recycling services for items that cannot be refurbished. This facility has been verified as a legitimate electronics recycling operation with high standards for environmental compliance and data security. Located in Ames, Iowa, this facility serves the local community with responsible electronics disposal services. Services include Electronics donation acceptance, Refurbishment programs. Contact them at +1 515-233-3533 for specific information about accepted items and operating hours.
WM - Ames, IA Hauling
Company logo for WM - Ames, IA Hauling, an electronics recycling center
Electronics recycling facility providing safe and responsible disposal services for electronic devices. Located in Ames, Iowa, serving the local community. Contact +1 515-233-1458 for specific information about accepted items and services.
Recent Recycling News in Ames
Latest news and updates about electronics recycling in Ames, Iowa
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Environmental Impact in Ames
Environmental benefit from local electronics recycling
Valuable materials recovered for reuse
Local economic benefits from recycling industry
Iowa E-Waste Regulations
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the electronics disposal regulations in Ames?
No statewide electronics disposal restrictions, but many localities have their own rules. Ames participates in regional electronics recycling programs. Check with local waste management for special collection events. Always use certified recyclers for proper disposal.
What environmental impact does electronics recycling have in Ames?
Electronics recycling in Ames saves approximately 270,000 pounds of CO2 annually. The community also recovers 18,000 pounds of valuable metals and 27,000 pounds of plastics each year.
How does electronics recycling benefit Ames's economy?
Electronics recycling supports 10 local jobs in Ames and generates approximately $301,421 in economic impact annually. This includes direct employment, supplier relationships, and induced economic activity.
How much e-waste does Ames generate annually?
With a population of 185, Ames generates approximately 3,700 pounds of electronic waste annually. Currently, about 15% is properly recycled, leaving room for improvement through increased community participation.
Why Recycling Matters in Ames
Ames's population of 185 represents significant potential for environmental impact through mindful e-waste management. The area achieves a 15% recycling rate, demonstrating community engagement with sustainability initiatives. Electronics recycling in Ames helps recover valuable materials, reduces landfill waste, and prevents toxic substances from contaminating local soil and groundwater.
When Ames 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 Ames's environment for future generations.
Local Best Practices
Check for Local Collection Events
Ames 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 Ames, 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 Iowa regulations while supporting local recycling efforts.
Resident's Guide to Electronics Recycling in Ames
This practical guide helps Ames 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 14 centers in Ames 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 Ames Residents
- Check with Ames municipal programs for free or low-cost recycling events throughout the year.
- With a 15% recycling rate, Ames 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.
That "Worthless" Electronics Drawer Just Might Be Worth Hundreds: A Guide to the Hidden Secondary Markets
There’s a thriving global ecosystem of secondary markets where your "junk drawer" electronics could be worth significantly more than you realize.
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
Understanding why we hoard broken electronics is the first step toward breaking free from these patterns and making more environmentally responsible choices.
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. Iowa requires proper e-waste disposal - never put electronics in regular trash.