Computers & Peripherals

E-Cycles Information

LAW: Vermont’s landfill disposal requirements makes it illegal to dispose of several materials, including many electronic devices. The Vermont E-Cycles statute provides for free and convenient collection of computers, monitors, printers, computer peripherals, and televisions for covered entities. The law has been in place since 2011.

WHO: Consumers, charities, school districts, and small businesses that employ 10 or fewer individuals can use the E-Cycles program for free. Other individuals who bring in seven (7) or fewer devices can also recycle at no charge. Manufacturers have been paying for the e-waste collection and recycling program since July 1, 2011.

WHAT: Computers (including tablets), monitors, printers, computer peripherals, and televisions are accepted at every location for free. 

Other electronics banned from disposal but not covered under the E-Cycles program include but aren’t limited to: game consoles, telephones, personal music players, VCRs, DVD players, and stereo equipment. These items are accepted at the Gleason TS with a disposal fee. 

WHERE: Call RCSWD to let them know what your are bringing to avoid surprises and you must have a current Gleason TS Permit. For a list of locations click here.

DATA SECURITY: Are you worried about leaving data on your computer when recycling it? It’s up to you to remove any sensitive data from your computer before taking it to an E-Cycles collection location.

If you would like to purchase data security services from an E-Cycles site, take a look at the list of data security providers around the state.  

If you’d like to do it yourself, there are two basic ways to destroy your data: physically break the hard drive disks, or permanently erase it using disk wiping software. Do a web search for “how to permanently erase a hard drive” or visit this article to find out more.