Quick answer
No. In Pennsylvania, the Covered Device Recycling Act bans computers, laptops, monitors, computer peripherals, tablets, e-readers and TVs from being thrown out with regular trash. New Jersey’s Electronic Waste Management Act does the same for TVs, computers, laptops and monitors. These items must be recycled, for example through an electronics recycling pick up.
If you’re clearing out an office or a school building in Greater Philadelphia, it’s tempting to put old computers and monitors in the dumpster. In Pennsylvania and New Jersey, that’s not allowed for many common electronics. Here’s a plain-English overview.
This article is general information, not legal advice. For the exact rules that apply to you, check with your municipality or the state environmental agency.
Pennsylvania: the Covered Device Recycling Act
Pennsylvania passed the Covered Device Recycling Act (Act 108 of 2010). Since January 24, 2013, covered devices can’t be disposed of with municipal waste in Pennsylvania.
Covered devices include:
- Desktop computers
- Laptops
- Computer monitors
- Computer peripherals (such as keyboards, mice and printers)
- Tablets and e-readers
- Televisions
In practice, trash haulers in Pennsylvania generally won’t take these items. They need to go to an electronics recycling program, collection event or recycler.
New Jersey: the Electronic Waste Management Act
New Jersey’s Electronic Waste Management Act (2008) set up a statewide recycling program for covered electronic devices. Since January 1, 2011, it has been illegal in New Jersey to throw TVs, computers, laptops and computer monitors out with regular trash.
If your business is in Trenton, Mount Holly or elsewhere in Mercer or Burlington County, the same principle applies: recycle, don’t trash.
What about items not on the lists?
Servers, network switches, routers, UPS units, phone systems and lab electronics aren’t always named in these laws. They still:
- Contain metals and components that can be recovered
- May contain batteries or other materials that shouldn’t go to a landfill
- Often hold data, which creates a security risk if they’re simply thrown away
The responsible and safer choice is to recycle them too. See how to recycle servers, network gear and UPS batteries.
Why these laws exist
Electronics are one of the fastest-growing waste streams in the world. According to the Global E-waste Monitor 2024, the world generated about 62 million tonnes of e-waste in 2022, and only around 22% was documented as properly collected and recycled. Old CRT monitors and TVs contain lead, and circuit boards contain other metals that don’t belong in a landfill.
How businesses can stay compliant
- Don’t put covered devices in the dumpster, even “just a few monitors”.
- Use a recycler with certified downstream partners. We work with four R2-certified recyclers.
- Handle data first. Destroy or properly sanitize drives before equipment leaves your control. See hard drive destruction.
- Keep records. On written request we provide a Letter of Responsibility for Destruction.
Need to clear out electronics in PA or NJ? Schedule a pick up. In most cases it’s free as long as we cover our costs.
Frequently asked questions
Does the Pennsylvania law apply to businesses or just households?
The disposal ban applies to covered devices regardless of who throws them out. Haulers generally won’t accept covered devices in regular trash. Businesses should send them to an electronics recycler.
Are servers and networking equipment covered by these laws?
They aren’t on the main covered-device lists, but they still contain materials that shouldn’t be landfilled and often hold data. Recycling them is the responsible choice, and we accept them.
What happens if a hauler finds electronics in the trash?
Many haulers will leave the items behind or tag them. Rules and penalties vary by municipality, so check with your local hauler or municipality.
What's the easiest legal way to get rid of business electronics?
Schedule a pick up with an electronics recycler that uses certified downstream partners. We serve Philadelphia, Bucks, Montgomery, Chester and Delaware counties in PA, plus Trenton and Mount Holly in NJ.
Sources
- Covered Device Recycling Act (Act 108 of 2010), Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection
- Electronic Waste Management Act (2008), New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection
- Electronics Donation and Recycling, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Written by The E-Waste Haul Away Team
We pick up unwanted computers and electronics from businesses and schools across Greater Philadelphia and make sure they're recycled responsibly through R2-certified partners, with secure handling for anything that holds data. About us
