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Cell Phones

This item is banned from disposal in the trash in Vermont by state law and requires special recycling, which is separate from curbside, or blue-bin, recycling.

Disposal Options

Cell phones, cell phone batteries, pagers, and PDAs (Personal Digital Assistants) are accepted for electronics recycling at the District Transfer Station at no charge. The State of Vermont’s E-Cycles Program provides free recycling options for many other electronic devices as well. Call the E-Cycles hotline at 1-855-6ECYCLES (1-855-632-9253) for more information.

Cell phones may also be donated to the following local charity:

The following national programs also accept cell phones:

Cell phones are also accepted for recycling at the stores listed below. Contact the store directly for hours of operation.

  • All retailers that participate in the Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation. Simply visit Call2Recycle and enter your zip code to find a location near you that accepts cell phones and rechargeable batteries.
  • Staples — Staples also accepts pagers and rechargeable batteries.
  • Verizon Wireless retail stores

Damaged, Defective, or Swollen Batteries

All damaged, defective, and swollen (puffy) batteries should be managed carefully. These items are fire hazards and should never be disposed of in the trash or recycling. If you have a damaged, defective, or swollen battery:

  • Place the battery or device in a closed, water-tight storage container such as a plastic pail or bin. Add sand, vermiculite, or kitty litter as soon as possible.
  • Always wear gloves and eye protection when handling swollen or damaged batteries. Damaged batteries can cause burns or other injuries. 
  • Do not store damaged, defective, or recalled batteries for extended periods. Bring them to the HazWaste Center during operating hours.

Cost

Electronics

Items where ‟no charge” is indicated may be covered by Vermont E-Waste Law — No charge for households, 501(c)(3) charities, school districts, small businesses (10 or fewer employees) OR 7 or fewer covered items per visit.

  • Large items or quantities charged by weight at the discretion of the scalehouse operator: $0.23 per lb.
  • Computers, whole systems (includes everything): No charge (or $11 each)
  • Computers, by piece (monitor or CPU or printer): No charge (or $6 per piece)
  • Televisions (regular size): No charge (or $7 each)
  • Televisions (console size): No charge (or $15 each)
  • Desktop Photocopier: $11 per piece
  • Small Electronics (CD/DVD player, Fax, Stereo, Corded Telephones, UPS, VCR etc.): $2.50 per piece
  • Mixed Bag (adapters, cameras, chips, cords, game controllers, phones, remotes, etc - grocery bag size): $5 per bag

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