Computer Recycling in Alameda, CA

Computers and printers count as the e-waste item on ACI’s free once-a-year on-call cleanup in Alameda.

See all 5 options

Illustrative item photographDell / Unsplash

Checked October 26, 2026 · Call before you go · How we check

5 ways to get rid of a computer in Alameda

Tap an option to see the address, hours, cost and rules.

All 5 Free 4 Drop-off 2 Services & pickup 3

CurbCycle PickupPickup from your home · AlamedaNo haulingWe recycle it for youFrom $85.00
How it works
Book online, set out your computer and we’ll pick it up and recycle it for you. You see your price before you book and pay only after pickup.
Book a pickup →
Alameda On-Call/Bulky Item Collection (ACI)Pickup service · AlamedaAlameda residentsFree
How it works
One free on-call cleanup per household or unit a year for all residential customers: up to 3 cubic yards of contained material and up to 3 large bulky items (appliances, mattresses, furniture; up to 150 lbs each), one of which can be e-waste, plus bagged cardboard and scrap metal and labelled reusable items. No tires. Call ACI at 510-483-1400.
Official page (opens in new tab)
California Covered Electronic Waste (CEW) Recycling ProgramState program · CaliforniaOpen to everyoneConditions applyFree
How it works
Statewide program under the Electronic Waste Recycling Act of 2003, run by CalRecycle with DTSC and CDTFA and funded by a recycling fee paid when buying covered devices. Approved collectors are paid to take covered video display devices (TVs, monitors, laptops, tablets and other screens over 4 inches) and, since Jan. 1, 2026, battery-embedded products. CalRecycle says Californians can recycle e-waste with an authorized collector at no charge; find one in the eRecycle directory.
Cost & rules
- Covered: laptops, tablets and computer monitors with screens over 4 inches. Desktop towers without a screen are not listed as covered video display devices.
- Use an authorized (approved) collector; it will ask your name and address to confirm the item came from California. Find one in CalRecycle's eRecycle directory.
Official page (opens in new tab)
Alameda County Household Hazardous Waste Facility (Oakland)Drop-off · outside Alameda · 2100 East 7th Street, OaklandAlameda County residentsFree
Where
2100 East 7th Street
Oakland, CA 94606
Hours
Wednesday–Friday 9 am–2:30 pm; Saturday 9 am–4 pm.
Cost & rules
Computers
AcceptedFree (documented)
Full details & sources Official site (opens in new tab)
Alameda County Household Hazardous Waste Facility (Fremont)Drop-off · outside Alameda · 41149 Boyce Road, FremontAlameda County residentsFree
Where
41149 Boyce Road
Fremont, CA 94538
Hours
Wednesday–Friday 8:30 am–2:30 pm; Saturday 8:30 am–4:30 pm.
Cost & rules
Computers
AcceptedFree (documented)
Full details & sources Official site (opens in new tab)

Before you go

List each device and describe any damage to the operator.
Back up your files and erase the device using the maker’s instructions.
Ask whether documented data destruction is offered and what it costs.

More about computers

California rules

Laptops, computer CPUs and monitors are on CalRecycle's list of electronic devices not to put in the trash. Source: CalRecycle: Waste Banned from the Trash (opens in new tab)
Unwanted covered electronic devices are universal waste and may not go in household trash. Source: DTSC: Covered Electronic Devices (opens in new tab)

More California rules (8)

DTSC says e-waste (any unwanted electronic device or CRT) is a universal waste in California, a type of hazardous waste, and must go to an authorized e-waste handler, not household trash. Source: DTSC: Electronic Hazardous Waste (E-Waste) (opens in new tab)
CalRecycle's banned-from-trash list says not to throw electronic devices in the trash, including TVs, monitors, laptops, computer CPUs, printers, radios, microwave ovens, VCRs and phones. Source: CalRecycle: Waste Banned from the Trash (opens in new tab)
DTSC says universal wastes (batteries, electronic waste, CRTs, lamps, mercury wastes, non-empty aerosol cans and PV modules) must go to a designated handler or recycler and cannot go in household trash or landfills. Source: DTSC: Universal Waste (opens in new tab)
It is illegal to dispose of household hazardous waste in the trash, down the drain, or by abandonment; it must go to a household hazardous waste facility. Source: DTSC: Household Hazardous Waste (opens in new tab)
DTSC lists antifreeze, batteries, e-waste, household cleaners, paints, pesticides, pool cleaners, solvents, used oil and mercury wastes among common household hazardous wastes. Source: DTSC: Household Hazardous Waste (opens in new tab)
Many cities and counties run household hazardous waste collection programs; DTSC keeps a map of HHW facilities. Source: DTSC: Household Hazardous Waste (opens in new tab)
Many HHW facilities keep set days and hours, some cap daily amounts, some only hold events once or twice a year, and many require an appointment. Source: DTSC: Household Hazardous Waste (opens in new tab)
CalRecycle says it is illegal to dispose of hazardous waste in the garbage, down storm drains or onto the ground. Source: CalRecycle: Household Hazardous Waste (opens in new tab)

Where this information comes from (22)

Where this information comes from

Checked October 26, 2026

On-Call/Bulky Item Collection - ACI Alameda (opens in new tab) · Alameda County Industries (ACI) Alameda
- All residential customers receive one on-call/bulky item collection per household or unit per year at no additional charge. Checked October 26, 2026.
- One bulky item can be e-waste: computers, printers, televisions, large microwaves and similar. Checked October 26, 2026.
Zero Waste Program and Services | City of Alameda (opens in new tab) · City of Alameda
- The City says ACI offers all residential customers one on-call cleanup per household every 12 months at no additional charge. Checked October 26, 2026.
Household Hazardous Waste Program (Alameda County) (opens in new tab) · StopWaste / Alameda County HHW Program
- Alameda County residents can drop off HHW for free at any of four facilities, no appointment needed. Checked October 26, 2026.
- Facilities accept computers, monitors, TVs, phones and microwaves. Checked October 26, 2026.
Household Hazardous Waste Drop-off Facilities in Alameda County (opens in new tab) · StopWaste / Alameda County HHW Program
- The service is for Alameda County residents only, not businesses. Checked October 26, 2026.
CalRecycle: Thank You for Recycling Your Electronic Waste! (consumer flyer) (opens in new tab) · CalRecycle
- CalRecycle says Californians have many opportunities to recycle unwanted e-waste with an authorized collector at no charge. Checked October 26, 2026.
- Because the state pays collectors only for e-waste from California, collectors of TVs and monitors ask for your name and address. Checked October 26, 2026.
CalRecycle: Electronic Waste Management (opens in new tab) · CalRecycle
- The CEW Recycling Program, set up under the Electronic Waste Recycling Act of 2003, provides all Californians with convenient recycling for unwanted electronics. Checked October 26, 2026.
CalRecycle: Covered Electronic Waste (CEW) Recycling Program (opens in new tab) · CalRecycle
- Covered electronic devices are video display devices with screens over four inches diagonally: CRT TVs and monitors; LCD/LED TVs, monitors, laptops, tablets, smart displays and portable DVD players; plasma TVs; and OLED TVs, monitors, laptops and tablets. Checked October 26, 2026.
- A covered electronic device is a video display device with a screen greater than four inches measured diagonally. Checked October 26, 2026.
CalRecycle: SB 1215 Covered Battery-Embedded Products (opens in new tab) · CalRecycle
- CalRecycle points people to its eRecycle directory to find a local e-waste collector. Checked October 26, 2026.
DTSC: Covered Electronic Devices (opens in new tab) · California Department of Toxic Substances Control
- Unwanted covered electronic devices are universal waste and may not go in household trash. Checked October 26, 2026.
DTSC: Electronic Hazardous Waste (E-Waste) (opens in new tab) · California Department of Toxic Substances Control
- DTSC says e-waste (any unwanted electronic device or CRT) is a universal waste in California, a type of hazardous waste, and must go to an authorized e-waste handler, not household trash. Checked October 26, 2026.
CalRecycle: Waste Banned from the Trash (opens in new tab) · CalRecycle
- CalRecycle's banned-from-trash list says not to throw electronic devices in the trash, including TVs, monitors, laptops, computer CPUs, printers, radios, microwave ovens, VCRs and phones. Checked October 26, 2026.
- Laptops, computer CPUs and monitors are on CalRecycle's list of electronic devices not to put in the trash. Checked October 26, 2026.
DTSC: Universal Waste (opens in new tab) · California Department of Toxic Substances Control
- DTSC says universal wastes (batteries, electronic waste, CRTs, lamps, mercury wastes, non-empty aerosol cans and PV modules) must go to a designated handler or recycler and cannot go in household trash or landfills. Checked October 26, 2026.
DTSC: Household Hazardous Waste (opens in new tab) · California Department of Toxic Substances Control
- It is illegal to dispose of household hazardous waste in the trash, down the drain, or by abandonment; it must go to a household hazardous waste facility. Checked October 26, 2026.
- DTSC lists antifreeze, batteries, e-waste, household cleaners, paints, pesticides, pool cleaners, solvents, used oil and mercury wastes among common household hazardous wastes. Checked October 26, 2026.
- Many cities and counties run household hazardous waste collection programs; DTSC keeps a map of HHW facilities. Checked October 26, 2026.
- Many HHW facilities keep set days and hours, some cap daily amounts, some only hold events once or twice a year, and many require an appointment. Checked October 26, 2026.
CalRecycle: Household Hazardous Waste (opens in new tab) · CalRecycle
- CalRecycle says it is illegal to dispose of hazardous waste in the garbage, down storm drains or onto the ground. Checked October 26, 2026.

“Checked” means we read the official page on that date. Things can change, so call before you go.

How we check our information