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Batteries and electronics · Local guide

Electronics and Battery Disposal: Choose the Right Drop-Off

Choose a Portland electronics or battery drop-off by device type, battery condition and housing type. Separate home collection eligibility from recycling eligibility, and check the official instructions before preparing a mixed box of devices.

Keep these materials separate from an ordinary junk pickup. See community options below.

Find Official Drop-Off OptionsCheck Accepted Items

Choose the right disposal route

Where should electronics and batteries go?

Start with Oregon E-Cycles for covered electronics and Portland's battery guidance for loose household batteries. Batteries and devices containing them do not belong in garbage or mixed recycling. Damaged batteries need a hazardous waste destination; ask Metro for guidance before transporting them.

By JunkPDX · Updated

Local donation and disposal options

Match the item to its collection program

Check the linked provider before arranging a collection or drop-off.
OptionCost or effortConfirm first
Oregon E-CyclesFree for covered program items; transport neededDevice type, quantity, and heavy-item capacity
Portland battery collectionPreparation and eligible residential serviceHousing type and battery condition
Hazardous waste referralContact Metro before planning transportDamaged batteries and unusual devices

The independent programs linked here set their own prices, acceptance rules and schedules. Arrange their collection or drop-off directly with the provider.

Official resources

Guide updated . Confirm current acceptance, prices and hours directly with the receiving program.

Step-by-step

Batteries and electronics: your checklist

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  1. Make a device list

    Write down each device, its model if visible, and whether it works. Count monitors and printers separately from computers. Photograph bulky items where they sit so a collection site can assess handling needs without requiring you to move them first.

  2. Keep battery decisions separate

    Portland offers eligible battery collection with glass recycling for houses through fourplexes; apartments and businesses need drop-off arrangements. Follow the City's exact preparation instructions. Leave embedded batteries inside devices, and seek specific guidance for swollen, leaking, corroded, or otherwise damaged batteries.

  3. Confirm the electronics destination

    Use DEQ's Oregon E-Cycles information to locate a participating collector. Ask about the exact devices, quantity, size, and condition you have. A free collection program does not necessarily include transportation from your home or every electronic accessory in a mixed box.

  4. Protect data and finish the cleanout

    Back up information you want to keep and follow the manufacturer's account-removal and data-erasure instructions for working devices. Plan separate handling for remaining furniture or ordinary clutter. JunkPDX offers paid hauling and free onsite estimates for approved items; paint, damaged batteries, and other hazardous waste require a separate destination.

Clearing out furniture alongside your devices? Plan pickup for the remaining furniture and ordinary household clutter separately from electronics and batteries. Confirm accepted items before booking; damaged batteries and hazardous waste need a separate destination.

Common questions

Before you schedule.

Is electronics recycling free?

Oregon E-Cycles offers free recycling for covered items under its program rules. Confirm eligibility and collection arrangements with the site.

How do I prepare batteries for Portland curbside collection?

For eligible houses through fourplexes, leave clearly labeled alkaline batteries untaped and tape other battery ends with clear tape. Wrap coin or button cells so they cannot touch. Seal eligible batteries in a clear bag no larger than one quart and place it visibly on top of the glass in the glass bin. Use the City’s full instructions for accepted types; damaged and embedded batteries are excluded.

Can batteries go in the blue cart?

No. Use the City's separate battery collection instructions or an approved drop-off route.

Where do damaged or built-in batteries go?

Contact Metro for a household hazardous waste destination and handling instructions before transport. Describe bulging, leaking, corrosion or unusual heat. If a battery does not come out easily, leave it in the device; do not dismantle it for the curbside battery program.

Can I recycle a cordless-tool battery with Portland's household batteries?

A small, easily removable tool battery may qualify when it fits inside a fully sealed one-quart bag, the battery is undamaged and your house-through-fourplex service is eligible. Follow Portland's battery preparation instructions. The whole cordless tool needs its own receiving-site check. Leave batteries that do not come out easily inside the device; do not dismantle it for curbside collection.

Where should an e-bike battery, scooter or portable power station go?

Use Metro's Find a Recycler or call 503-234-3000 to ask about the exact item. Give its make, model, battery size if known and condition, and say whether the battery is removable or built in. Confirm acceptance with the receiving site before transport. Do not assume these devices qualify for Portland's small loose-battery collection or Oregon E-Cycles just because they contain a rechargeable battery.

Will a hauler erase my computer?

Do not assume data services are included. Arrange data protection before handing over the device and ask any specialist provider what it documents.