If you’re decommissioning an office, moving your household or simply clearing out clutter, it’s easy to find yourself with old electronics — dusty laptops, ancient phones, unused printers — tucked away in drawers and closets.

You’re not alone. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), e-waste is the fastest-growing part of the total waste stream in the U.S. It’s critical to recycle electronics responsibly to protect our environment and reclaim valuable materials.

Here’s your guide to recycling electronics the right way in Central and South Florida:

1. Attend Local Recycling Events

Florida offers numerous electronic waste recycling events throughout the year, making it convenient to dispose of your items responsibly. Here’s a snapshot of upcoming opportunities:

May 2025:

  • May 10 – City of Orlando Electronic Waste & Textile Recycling Event at Camping World Stadium, 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
  • May 17 – Manatee County HHW/E-Waste Collection
  • May 24 – Fort Lauderdale HHW/E-Waste Recycling

Beyond May 2025:

  • Miami-Dade County: Mobile Drop-off Events (next dates include June 7, June 28, and July 19)
  • Sunrise/Plantation: Special Drop-Off Events scheduled throughout the year
  • Polk County: HHW Collection Events in October and December
  • Tamarac: HHW/E-Waste Event on December 6 at 6011 Nob Hill Rd
  • Manatee County: Ongoing HHW/E-Waste Collections

Important Reminders:

  • Bring proof of residency (like a driver’s license or utility bill).
  • Follow vehicle protocols: Stay in your vehicle and place materials in the trunk or truck bed where directed.

 

2. Retailer Take-Back Programs

Several retailers make it easy to recycle electronics year-round in Florida:

  • Best Buy accepts a wide range of electronics for recycling at all locations.
  • Staples offers drop-off recycling for office electronics and accessories.
  • Apple provides recycling options for Apple devices — sometimes with trade-in incentives.

Before you head out, check the store’s website for accepted items and any restrictions.

3. Donate Gently Used Devices

If your electronics are still functional, donating can extend their life and benefit the community.Great local donation options include:

  • Goodwill Industries of Central Florida (website)
  • Salvation Army of Florida (website)
  • Computers with Causes (website)

Make sure donated devices are in working condition, as many centers only accept newer models.

4. Sell Valuable Electronics

You can also sell old electronics for extra cash through platforms like:

  • Facebook Marketplace
  • eBay
  • Decluttr (especially good for smartphones and tablets)

Selling requires a little effort to list, price, and manage pickup or shipping — but it’s a great option for collectible electronics or lightly used tech.

5. Wipe Your Data Before Disposing

Security is crucial when recycling or donating old electronics. Make sure to fully erase all personal data from computers, phones, and tablets.

Programs like Dell’s Reconnect Initiative (in partnership with Goodwill) not only help with recycling but also offer secure data destruction services. Learn more here: Dell Reconnect.


Moving Tip from Sorensen Moving & Storage:
Planning a move in 2025? Decluttering and responsibly recycling electronics now will lighten your load and reduce waste during your relocation. It’s a win-win for you — and the environment!