Electronic (E-Waste) and universal waste (U-Waste) such as computer monitors, TVs, fluorescent tubes, and consumer batteries, are prohibited from being disposed of in the garbage. U-Waste is also commonly referred to as household hazardous waste (HHW). Electronic and universal waste contains a variety of toxic components like lead, cadmium, mercury, arsenic, and flame retardants. When dumped in a landfill, these materials can contaminate the soil and groundwater, thus impacting surrounding areas.
- Microwaves
- T.V.’s
- Computer monitors and towers
- Cell phones, iPods, DVD players, stereos, etc.
Examples of Universal Waste include:
- Used motor oil and filters
- Batteries
- Fluorescent tubes and bulbs
- Sharps
Examples of Bulky Items include:
- Appliances
- Tires
- Water heaters
- Furniture
Here are some easy ways to deal with E-Waste and U-Waste:
Bulky Item Collection: Residents may schedule up to two (2) free curbside pick-ups per year. Up to two (2) cubic yards of Reusable Materials, up to five (5) E-Waste Items, or up to two (2) Appliances or Bulky Items. Appliances with Freon count as two (2) Bulky Items.
Contact Recology Customer Service at 831.636.7500 to schedule a pick-up.
Environmental Days: Three (3) times per year residents are invited to Shred important documents, drop off E-Waste, and pick up free Compost during this free community event for all residents of San Benito County. For more information check our Environmental Days Page!
Drop-off at John Smith Road Landfill
The John Smith Road Landfill (JSRL) is a full-service solid waste disposal company that handles Recycling (glass, paper, plastic, metal cans, E-Waste, etc), Bulky Items (furniture, appliances, yard waste, tires, etc), and Hazardous Waste (paint, solvents, variety of liquids for/from your vehicle, cleaners, fluorescent lamps, etc). Special events are held throughout the year for FREE drop-off of Household Hazardous Waste (HHW), Bulky Items, and E-Waste. JSRL is owned by the County of San Benito and operated by Waste Connections Inc.
John Smith Road Landfill
2650 John Smith Road
Hollister, CA 95023
E-Waste Drop-off: During normal operating hours, residents of San Benito County are able to drop off E-waste, and extra recyclable materials, at no additional cost (proof of residence is required).
Hours of operation:
Mon – Fri: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Sat – Sun: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
HHW Drop-Off Events: San Benito County residents are invited to drop off U-Waste/HHW for FREE during the San Benito County Household Hazardous Waste monthly collection events. These events are the ONLY time when JSRL will accept such materials (fluorescent lights, mercury-containing devices, batteries, etc).
When: Third Saturday of every month
Where: John Smith Road Landfill
Time: 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM
More information about JSRL can be found here.
Several local businesses also accept household batteries, automotive batteries, cellular phones, computer equipment, televisions, etc. Some items are accepted for recycling and some are accepted for reuse. For a list of locations and acceptable material, please visit the San Benito County Integrated Waste Management page here.
Additional Resources: