In the directory listings below, there are also donation opportunities for your electronics to be reused in benefit to local organizations and charities.
Can I Recycle This?
Some of our most frequently asked questions are about what types of electronics can be recycled. Here are some guidelines to keep in mind.
These Items CAN Be Recycled
Does it plug in? Does it run on batteries? We can recycle that!
Computers
Monitors
Laptops
Cell Phones
Batteries
Printers
Stereos
Cables
Gaming Devices
Copy Machines
Fax Machines
Microwaves
Chargers
Televisions
Toasters
Modems
String Lighting (like Christmas lights)
Remotes
These Items Are Not Accepted at Our Locations
Check with local metal recyclers or scrap metal facilites to recycle these items.
Anything that Contains Freon
For Example: Refrigerators, Freezers, Air Conditioners, and Dehumidifiers
Large Appliances
For Example: Stoves, Washing Machines, Dryers, Dishwashers, Water Heaters, Water Softeners
VHS Tapes, Cassette Tapes and Compact Discs
Watch This Video to Learn More About Electronics Recycling!
Curbside Pick-Up
The Portage and Valparaiso Street Departments collect electronics curbside for recycling from residents. This service is available through partnership with the Porter County Recycling and Waste Reduction District. Not all haulers across Northwest Indiana will pick up electronics from their customers. Porter County Residents have several options available for quick and easy electronics recycling.
Electronics Recycling Locations
The Law
The state of Indiana passed legislation that went into effect Jan. 1, 2011, prohibiting households, public schools, and small businesses from mixing unwanted computer monitors, computers, televisions, printers, computer peripherals (such as keyboards and mice), DVD players, video cassette recorders or fax machines with municipal waste that is intended for disposal at a landfill or by burning or incineration.
The goal of the Indiana Department of Environmental Management is to keep computers and other electronics out of landfills through reuse, remanufacturing and recycling. For more information on the hazards of electronics and the benefits of proper disposal and recycling, visit the state’s website.
We contract with Green Wave to recycle the electronics we collect.
Did You Know?
In 2021, Porter County residents recycled 418,059 lbs. of electronics through our program, which we sponsored for $53,498.
In 2022, Porter County residents recycled:
50,477 lbs. of batteries
19.451 lbs. of computers
173,988 lbs. of televisions
98,126 lbs. of miscellaneous electronics (chargers, remotes, etc.)