Electronics are hazardous as they can contain lead and other metals that are dangerous, plus they have many components that can be recycled.  Some items, like microwave ovens and thermometers, contain mercury.  Medical sharps (needles) used in home health care are also banned from regular trash. 

You must dispose of hazardous waste and electronics in one of the following ways:

1.  Dispose of household hazardous waste and electronics safely by bringing them to a free, household hazardous waste and electronics roundup or permanent drop-off facility.

FREE PERMANENT DROP-OFF FACILITY

S.A.F.E. COLLECTION CENTER

1400 NORTH GAFFEY ST

SAN PEDRO, CA  90021

OPEN SATURDAYS AND SUNDAYS FROM 9:00 A.M. TO 3:00 P.M. EXCEPT HOLIDAYS AND RAINY DAYS.  NOTE THAT, STARTING JULY 1, 2010, SAFE CENTERS WILL NO LONGER BE OPEN ON FRIDAYS.  THERE IS A LIMIT OF SIX (6) ELECTRONIC ITEMS PER VISIT.  CLICK HERE FOR .PDF FLYER AND MAP

2.  Free, one-day, periodic roundups are provided by the County of Los Angeles Department of Public Works. Nearly every weekend, there is a roundup somewhere in L.A. County that provides a safe and convenient way to dispose and recycle household hazardous waste and electronics.  

Upcoming events in the City of Torrance area are:    .

February 11, 2012, CITY OF GARDENA, HITCO Carbon Composites, 1551 W. 139 St. between Western Ave. and Normandie Ave.

March 17, 2012, CITY OF MANHATTAN BEACH, Northrop Grumman Space Technology, Aviation Blvd. between Marine Ave. and Rosecrans Ave.

March 24, 2012, CITY OF LONG BEACH, Veteran's Stadium, Clark Ave. and Conant St. (Enter from Conant St.)

April 28, 2012, CITY OF HAWTHORNE, Betty Ainsworth Sports Center, El Segundo Blvd. between Doty Ave. and Prairie Ave. (Enter from Doty Ave.)

May 5, 2012, CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES, City Hall/City Yard, 30940 Hawthorne Blvd.

ROUNDUPS ARE ON SATURDAYS FROM 9:00 A.M. TO 3:00 P.M. UNLESS OTHERWISE INDICATED.

For more information and a schedule of roundups with location maps, please call 1-888-CLEANLA or click here for the Sanitation District's website

To drop off hazardous materials, just load your materials in a sturdy box in the trunk of your car and drive through the drop-off area.  The materials will be taken from your car quickly and safely - it's that easy!

REMEMBER:
Limit of 15 gallons or 125 lbs. per vehicle
Do not mix materials, keep in original containers with original labels
Put in sturdy box in trunk of car
No explosives, ammunition or radioactive materials will be accepted

3. FOR RECYCLING OF ELECTRONICS:  WALSERS ART SUPPLY IS A FREE, CERTIFIED DROP OFF FOR ELECTRONICS RECYCLING.  They will accept materials from both residents and businesses.  They also recycle appliances, metal, glass, paper, plastics, and they offer pick up service for a fee.  Click here for more information.

4.  It is illegal to throw medical sharps in the trash or recycling.  Click here for more information.

L.A. County Sheriff's Department has drop-off locations for medical sharps and all drugs and medicines.  Click here to go to their website for more information.  You can also click here for a listing of drop-off sites in .pdf format.

For more information and listings of hazardous waste items and recycling locations, use the following links:

Your Source for Torrance Recycling, Recycle Torrance, click here.  Includes a search engine for other recycling options.

The Los Angeles County Clean LA website

CalRecyle

The Department of Toxic Substance

For a list of used motor oil collection centers in Torrance, click here.

Home Depot accepts CFL (Compact Fluorescent Light) bulbs.  Click here for flyer (pdf).

For recycling or safe disposal of hazardous waste from businesses: 

Hazardous Waste Generated from Businesses

Businesses can also check out environmental suggestions on how to "Get Green" by clicking here.