Electronic Waste

Worried about data safety?

Are you worried about leaving data on your computer when recycling it? It’s up to you to remove any sensitive data from your computer before taking it to an E-Cycles collection site.
  • If you would like to purchase data security services from an E-Cycles site, take a look at the list of data security providers around the state.  
  • If you’d like to do it yourself, there are two basic ways to destroy your data: physically break the hard drive disks, or permanently erase it using disk wiping software. Do a web search for “how to permanently erase a hard drive” or visit this article to find out more. ​
Most electronics are banned from the landfill and incinertors in Vermont. In 2011, Vermont joined 24 other states in addressing the growing challenges of disposing of such waste by requiring manufacturers that sell televisions, computers, monitors, desktop printers and computer peripherals such as computer speakers, mice, keyboards and modems in VT to pay the costs of recycling those electronics. As a result, there is no fee to Vermont residents, small businesses (some limits may apply), public schools, and 501c3 nonprofits for the disposal of these specific covered electronic devices at state certified permanent collection sites.

CVSWMD residents can take electronic waste at our Additional Recyclables Collection Center in Barre (fees apply for non-covered electronics). 

To find the electronic waste collector nearest you, see the State of Vermont's list of registered electronic waste collection sites and general electronic waste information.