How to Get Rid of Old Computers, Laptops & Electronics in Elizabeth, NJ

✓ Last verified October 22, 2026 against official Elizabeth, New Jersey and retailer sources. See sources.

Quick answer

Computers, laptops, tablets and monitors are banned from New Jersey trash. In Elizabeth, bring them to the Recycling Center, 523 Trenton Ave.
Hours: Monday–Friday 8 a.m.–6 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 8 a.m.–4 p.m. Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas.
The city says VCRs, desktop fax machines and similar items can go with household garbage. Don't bring dismantled electronics.
Wipe your data first. Non-residents: All American Alloys & Recycling, 200 South First St., is listed for any NJ consumer.

Illustration of old electronics: a laptop, a computer monitor, a keyboard, a phone and cables

Your options in Elizabeth

Elizabeth Recycling Center drop-off Free

Elizabeth's 2026 calendar says electronic devices covered by the law, including TVs, monitors and computers, must be brought to the Recycling Center. NJDEP's site list includes the center for municipal consumers only.

Address: 523 Trenton Ave., Elizabeth, NJ 07202
Hours: Mon–Fri 8 a.m.–6 p.m.; Sat & Sun 8 a.m.–4 p.m.
Phone: 908-820-4734 (per NJDEP); DPW (908) 820-4150

Sources: City of Elizabeth – 2026 Trash & Recycling Calendar (PDF); NJDEP – E-Waste Collection Site List (PDF, updated 1/22/2026)

Small non-covered electronics: household garbage Free

The city calendar says VCRs, desktop fax machines and similar items can go with your household garbage. Note that NJDEP's e-waste FAQ lists desktop fax machines among covered devices, which can't go in the trash. Taking them to the Recycling Center is the safer choice.

Sources: City of Elizabeth – 2026 Trash & Recycling Calendar (PDF); NJDEP – E-Waste FAQs (PDF)

All American Alloys & Recycling Check with city

NJDEP lists this Elizabeth recycler as a collection site for covered electronic devices, open to any New Jersey consumer.

Address: 200 South First St., Elizabeth, NJ 07206 – 973-418-1695
Hours: Mon–Fri 6 a.m.–4 p.m., Sat 6 a.m.–12 p.m. (per NJDEP list)

Source: NJDEP – E-Waste Collection Site List (PDF, updated 1/22/2026)

Don't do this

Don't put computers, laptops, tablets or monitors in the garbage.
Don't take devices apart before drop-off. Dismantled electronics aren't accepted.
Don't recycle a device before you erase your data.

Or pay someone to haul it

If you can't get it to a drop-off site, or can't wait for city pickup, a junk-removal service can take it from inside your home. Prices depend on the company, your location and the size of the load, so get a quote first. Ask whether they recycle or donate items and whether they follow Elizabeth's rules, especially for electronics and paint. Another option is to hire moving helpers by the hour: they do the lifting, and with a truck they can drive it to a drop-off site. They move it where you tell them, so pick a legal destination from this guide.

Frequently asked questions

Where can I recycle a computer in Elizabeth, NJ?

At the city Recycling Center, 523 Trenton Ave., Monday–Friday 8 a.m.–6 p.m. and Saturday–Sunday 8 a.m.–4 p.m.

Can I throw a VCR in the trash in Elizabeth?

The city's calendar says VCRs can go with household garbage. Computers, monitors and TVs must go to the Recycling Center.

Sources

All checked on October 22, 2026. Rules, hours and fees change, so confirm with the source before you go.