Top 7 Bay Area E-Waste Events 2025

The Bay Area continues to address its growing electronic waste problem with community e-waste events in 2025. These events provide residents with free, safe ways to recycle old electronics and help reduce landfill toxins like lead and mercury. Highlights include:

• Hiller Aviation Museum Event (Nov 15, 2025): Free e-waste drop-off and document shredding in San Carlos.
• East Palo Alto Shred & E-Scrap (Apr 19, 2025): E-waste recycling and secure shredding for residents.
• Berkeley Earth Day Cleanup (April 2025): Electronics recycling paired with shoreline cleanup.
• Hayward Citywide Cleanup (Apr 26, 2025): Neighborhood cleanups and a community fair.
• SF Earth Day at Yerba Buena (Apr 19, 2025): Sustainability-themed activities (no e-waste drop-off).
• San Mateo Bayfront Cleanup (Apr 26, 2025): Community cleanup with no e-waste service.
• Zero Waste Silicon Valley (Year-Round): Flexible drop-off and pick-up options in San Jose.

For year-round recycling, Rica Recycling and Zero Waste Silicon Valley remain excellent resources. These events and services promote proper disposal, reuse, and recycling of electronics, making it easier to manage e-waste responsibly.

Bay Area E-Waste Recycling Events 2025: Dates, Locations & Services Comparison

1. Hiller Aviation Museum E-Waste Recycling

Date and Time of the Event

The Hiller Aviation Museum is wrapping up its 2025 e-waste recycling events with a final opportunity on Saturday, November 15, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Earlier this year, a similar event took place on April 26, offering San Carlos residents two chances annually to dispose of their electronics responsibly. Simply head to the museum's front parking lot to drop off your items.

Location and Accessibility

The event is held at 601 Skyway Rd., San Carlos, CA 94070, with a convenient drive-thru setup in the museum's front parking lot. Keep an eye out for the Golden State Hauling and Demolition truck parked under the large Hiller Aviation Museum sign.

Accepted E-Waste Items

You can bring a variety of electronics, including:

• Computers, laptops, and monitors
• Keyboards, mice, and cables
• Printers, phones, tablets, and radios
• VCRs and televisions

However, certain items like full-size appliances (e.g., refrigerators and washing machines), microwaves, and lightbulbs will not be accepted. Make sure to delete any sensitive data and perform factory resets on your devices before dropping them off.

Additional Services or Activities

The event also offers free on-site document shredding, limited to three banker boxes per person. This service operates on a first-come, first-served basis, so plan accordingly.

The event is proudly sponsored by the Rotary Club of Peninsula Starlight, the San Mateo Area Chamber of Commerce, the Hiller Aviation Museum, and Jessica Govea, owner of Golden State Hauling and Demolition.

2. East Palo Alto Shred & E-Scrap Recycling Event

Date and Time of the Event

Mark your calendar for Saturday, April 19, 2025! The event kicks off at 9:00 AM and wraps up by 1:00 PM. However, if you're planning to shred documents, make sure to arrive early - shredding services will stop either at 1:00 PM or once the truck is full, whichever comes first.

Location and Accessibility

The event takes place at Cooley Landing Park, located at 2100 Bay Road, East Palo Alto, CA 94030. It's exclusively for East Palo Alto residents, so be prepared to verify your residency upon arrival. The good news? Staff will be on hand to assist with unloading your items, making the process hassle-free. Not a resident or can't make it? No worries - you can also schedule an electronics recycling pick-up or find free e-waste recycling is available year-round at the Shoreway Environmental Center in San Carlos.

Accepted E-Waste Items

Here's what you can bring:

• TVs, computers, monitors, printers, laptops, cables, cords, cell phones, MP3 players, and DVD players.

But keep in mind, some items won't be accepted, including fans, floor heaters, smoke detectors, vacuum cleaners, and kitchen appliances like microwaves, ovens, stoves, refrigerators, and freezers. Also, household hazardous waste is strictly off-limits.

Additional Services and Activities

In addition to e-waste recycling, the event offers secure on-site document shredding. Each household is limited to three banker boxes (10″ x 12″ x 15″), and it's first-come, first-served. Keep in mind, shredding services could end early if the truck reaches capacity. For the latest updates, reach out to the Environmental Services Division at cleancity@cityofepa.org or call (650) 853-3100.

3. Berkeley Earth Day Shoreline Cleanup

Date and Time of the Event

The exact date and time are yet to be confirmed, but this event is generally scheduled close to April 22. For the latest updates, keep an eye on the City of Berkeley's official website.

Location and Accessibility

Details about the location are still pending, though it’s expected to take place along Berkeley's scenic waterfront. Stay tuned to city announcements for the finalized venue.

Accepted E-Waste Items

Much like other cleanup events in the Bay Area, this one will accept common e-waste items. These include devices like computers, monitors, phones, TVs, and other electronics containing heavy metals such as mercury, lead, cadmium, zinc, and nickel. To avoid surprises, confirm the list of accepted items with the event organizers beforehand. For local companies, business e-waste pick-up services offer a convenient alternative to public events.

Additional Services and Activities

In addition to e-waste collection, the event will include shoreline cleanup efforts. More details about these activities will be shared by the city as the event date approaches.

4. Hayward Citywide Clean-up and Community Fair

Date and Time of the Event

Mark your calendars for April 26, 2025, from 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. This special event invites Hayward residents to join forces for a neighborhood cleanup, followed by a lively sustainability fair. Volunteers who RSVP by April 24, 2025, will enjoy a free catered lunch from El Taquito as a thank-you for their efforts.

Location and Accessibility

The event kicks off at Weekes Park in Hayward, where participants will gather before heading out to clear litter and debris from local neighborhoods. After the cleanup, everyone will return to the park for a fun-filled fair featuring sustainability-themed booths and activities for all ages. This event is a great way to combine community service with hands-on guidance about recycling and eco-friendly practices.

Accepted E-Waste Items

While the focus of this event is on cleaning up neighborhood litter, it does not include e-waste collection. For year-round electronics recycling, you can visit Rica Recycling at 27105 Industrial Blvd (Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.). They accept items like computers, laptops, tablets, monitors, TVs, printers, cell phones, and various cables, with most items processed free of charge.

Additional Services and Activities

The fair will also host the 42nd Annual Earth Day Poster & Writing Contest, open to Hayward students from grades K–12, as well as the "We Are the (Re) Generation" storytelling contest, which offers prizes of up to $300. Participants are encouraged to wear closed-toed shoes, bring sun protection, and carry a reusable water bottle. Walk-ins are welcome, but pre-registration guarantees the free lunch.

5. San Francisco Earth Day at Yerba Buena Gardens

Date and Time of the Event

Mark your calendar for April 19, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. This five-hour event brings a day packed with activities, education, and entertainment, all centered around sustainability, right in the heart of San Francisco.

Location and Accessibility

The celebration takes place at Yerba Buena Gardens, with events spread across the Great Lawn and the Yerba Buena Ice Skating and Bowling Center. Located in downtown San Francisco, the venue is easy to reach by public transportation, on foot, or by bike - making it a perfect opportunity to reduce your carbon footprint while enjoying the festivities.

Accepted E-Waste Items

This event doesn’t accept e-waste on-site. However, you can recycle your electronics year-round at Rica Recycling, located at 27105 Industrial Blvd. They’re open Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and accept items like computers, laptops, tablets, monitors, TVs, printers, cell phones, and cables.

Additional Services and Activities

Throughout the day, enjoy live performances, a Green Business Expo, and family-friendly activities like tree planting, chalk art, and carousel rides. There will also be giveaways to make the day even more memorable. This event highlights the Bay Area's dedication to sustainable and eco-conscious practices.

Recycle Electronics Responsibly

Schedule a pickup or drop off your e-waste at Rica Recycling to ensure eco-friendly, secure, and compliant electronics recycling in the Bay Area.

Schedule Now

6. San Mateo Earth Day Bayfront Cleanup

Date and Time of the Event

Mark your calendars! The San Mateo Earth Day Bayfront Cleanup is happening on April 26, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. This three-hour morning event is a chance for the community to come together and make a difference.

Location and Accessibility

The event will be held at Ryder Park, located at 1801 J Hart Clinton Dr., San Mateo. With its scenic waterfront location, the park offers a convenient and picturesque setting for the cleanup.

Accepted E-Waste Items

Keep in mind, this cleanup event does not include e-waste recycling. If you need to dispose of items like computers, laptops, monitors, TVs, or printers, head over to Rica Recycling at 27105 Industrial Blvd. They’re open Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Additional Services and Activities

Make the day even more fun by participating in the "Catch of the Day" contest, where volunteers compete to find the most unusual piece of trash. Plus, there will be a special tree-planting ceremony to celebrate Earth Day and leave a lasting impact on the community.

7. Zero Waste Silicon Valley E-Waste Drop-Off

Date and Time of the Event

Zero Waste Silicon Valley makes e-waste recycling simple and accessible for the community. Their drop-off service is available Monday through Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (excluding major holidays). This flexible schedule allows residents to recycle electronics at their convenience.

Location and Accessibility

The drop-off location is at the Berger Drive Campus, 1560 Berger Drive, San Jose, CA 95112. Upon arrival, head to the main entrance and check in with the staff at the front desk. They’ll guide you through the process and answer any questions, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free experience.

Accepted E-Waste Items

The program accepts a wide range of electronic items with plugs, including:

• Laptops, desktops, and servers
• Monitors and televisions
• Printers and tablets
• VCR/DVD players and stereo equipment
• Video game consoles and cellular phones (with batteries)
• Digital cameras, power tools, microwave ovens, and even musical instruments

However, loose batteries and lightbulbs are not accepted.

Additional Services and Activities

If you have three or more qualifying items - such as televisions, monitors, laptops, or servers - you can request a free pick-up service. For smaller loads, pick-up is available for $25. Additionally, this program supports the San Jose Conservation Corps by providing young adults with valuable job skills and technical training for careers in environmentally friendly industries.

Event Comparison Table

Find the event that works best for your schedule, location, and recycling needs. Each event offers specific services and features, making it easier for you to recycle responsibly.

Here's a quick comparison of the seven Bay Area e-waste events, highlighting dates, locations, accepted items, fees, and special features. For more detailed information, refer to the event sections mentioned earlier.

Event	Date & Time	Location	Accepted Items	Fees	Special Features
Hiller Aviation Museum	Saturday, November 15, 2025, 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM	San Carlos	Electronics, small appliances (no full-size appliances)	Free	Paper shredding (limit of 3 banker boxes)
East Palo Alto Shred & E-Scrap	Saturday, April 19, 2025, 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM	East Palo Alto	Electronics, paper documents	Free	Document shredding available
Berkeley Earth Day Shoreline	April 2025	Berkeley Shoreline	Electronics, small appliances	Free	Paired with environmental cleanup activities
Hayward Citywide Clean-up	TBD 2025	Hayward	Electronics, household items	Free	Community fair with various activities
SF Earth Day at Yerba Buena	April 2025	San Francisco	Electronics, small appliances	Free	Earth Day celebration featuring vendors
San Mateo Earth Day Bayfront	April 2025	San Mateo	Electronics (residency proof required)	Free	Includes bayfront cleanup activities
Zero Waste Silicon Valley	Mon-Fri, 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.	San Jose	TVs, computers, game consoles (no loose batteries)	Free drop-off; $25 for small pick-ups	Free pick-up for 3+ qualifying items

Most of these events are completely free, thanks to sponsorships from local organizations. For instance, the Hiller Aviation Museum event is backed by the Rotary Club of Peninsula Starlight and the San Mateo Area Chamber of Commerce. If you're looking for a year-round option, Zero Waste Silicon Valley offers consistent weekday hours, making it a standout among the primarily spring-focused, one-time or annual events.

Conclusion

The 2025 Bay Area e-waste events provide an excellent opportunity to dispose of old electronics responsibly while promoting reuse, recycling, and recovery. As the UCSF Health Office of Sustainability explains, "Items dropped off at the event will be reused, recycled, or otherwise recovered before going to landfill and will be discarded appropriately by trained staff". These free events also help reclaim valuable materials like circuit boards and precious metals from outdated devices. Just make sure to review and follow the specific guidelines for preparing your items before attending.

If you can't make it to one of these events or have items that aren't accepted due to restrictions, there are other options available.

When these events don’t cover all your recycling needs, Rica Recycling offers year-round services across the Bay Area. They handle large appliances that most events won’t accept, provide certified secure data destruction, and operate with a 100% landfill-free policy. With flexible pickup and drop-off options, you can recycle your electronics on your schedule - not just during designated event days.

In addition to supporting the community, Rica Recycling also delivers ongoing, secure, and compliant e-waste recycling services for businesses and organizations. Their IT asset recovery services help turn outdated equipment into value, all while ensuring compliance with California's e-waste regulations. From schools to nonprofits and government agencies, Rica Recycling serves the entire San Francisco Bay Area with a strong focus on sustainability and data security.

FAQs

What kinds of e-waste items can I bring to Bay Area collection events?

Most e-waste collection events in the Bay Area are happy to take small consumer electronics off your hands. This includes items like computers, laptops, monitors, printers, servers, TVs, cell phones, tablets, cables, and even DVD players. Smaller household devices, such as lamps, are generally accepted too.

That said, large appliances - think refrigerators, washers, and dryers - are typically not on the list of accepted items. To avoid any surprises, it's a good idea to review the event’s specific guidelines beforehand to confirm what they’ll take.

Are there year-round options for recycling e-waste in the Bay Area?

Rica Recycling makes e-waste disposal simple and accessible for Bay Area businesses, schools, and community groups all year long. You can arrange a free pickup whenever it fits your schedule or drop off accepted items at their no-cost drop-off center in Hayward. This center is open to residents and small businesses, offering convenience and flexibility.

For Alameda residents and small businesses, Rica Recycling also maintains a free, ongoing drop-off location in Oakland. With these options, they ensure safe and responsible electronics recycling is always available, no need to wait for special events.

How can I securely destroy my data before recycling electronics?

Before recycling your electronics, it's crucial to safeguard your data. Here's how you can do it:

• Back up and erase your data: Start by saving any important files to a secure location, such as an external drive or cloud storage. Then, use a trusted data-wiping tool to overwrite the storage device multiple times. This makes it nearly impossible for anyone to recover your data.
• Physically destroy sensitive storage media: If your device contains highly sensitive information, consider removing the storage component - like a hard drive or SSD - and physically destroying it. Methods like shredding, drilling holes, or using a degausser ensure your data cannot be retrieved.
• Use a certified data destruction service: For added peace of mind, work with a reputable recycler that offers secure data destruction. Look for services that provide a certificate of destruction, confirming your data has been handled properly and securely.

By taking these precautions, you can recycle your electronics with confidence, knowing your personal information is safe from prying eyes.