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

✓ Last verified October 21, 2026 against official Paterson, New Jersey and retailer sources. See sources.

Quick answer

Computers, monitors, laptops, tablets, desktop printers and fax machines are covered electronic devices. New Jersey law bans them from the trash.
NJDEP's site list includes the City of Paterson yard at 402 E. 16th St. for Paterson residents.
Sites open to any NJ consumer include Erevival (33 Branch St.), the Salvation Army (31 Van Houten St.) and United Paterson Enterprises (124 Wood St., computers only).
NJDEP's list was updated January 22, 2026, but hours change, so call any site before you go.

Your options in Paterson

City of Paterson DPW yard Free

NJDEP's e-waste collection site list includes the City of Paterson at 402 E. 16th St., for Paterson residents only (municipal consumers). NJDEP lists hours of Monday–Friday, 7:30 a.m.–4 p.m., or call for pickup. We didn't find a city web page that confirms electronics drop-off or these hours. The city's current bulk-drop-off notice lists different yard hours, so call first.

Address: 402 E. 16th St., Paterson, NJ 07514
Hours (NJDEP list, Jan. 2026): Mon–Fri 7:30 a.m.–4 p.m., or call for pickup
Phone (NJDEP list): (973) 321-1374

Sources: NJDEP – E-Waste Collection Site List (PDF, updated 1/22/2026); City of Paterson – Garbage Collection

Other NJDEP-listed sites in Paterson Free

Under New Jersey's Electronic Waste Management Act, manufacturers pay for recycling covered devices, and approved collection sites can't charge consumers or small businesses with fewer than 50 full-time employees. These Paterson sites appear on NJDEP's list as open to any New Jersey consumer. Call to confirm hours and what they take.

Erevival: 33 Branch St., Paterson – Mon–Fri 7:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m., 732-429-4392
The Salvation Army: 31 Van Houten St., Paterson – Mon–Sat 9 a.m.–6 p.m., (800) SA-TRUCK
United Paterson Enterprises: 124 Wood St., Paterson – Mon–Fri 7 a.m.–5 p.m., Sat 7 a.m.–1 p.m., 973-279-1683. Computers only; no TVs/monitors, printers or non-covered devices

Sources: NJDEP – E-Waste Collection Site List (PDF, updated 1/22/2026); NJDEP – E-Waste program; NJDEP – E-Waste FAQs (PDF)

Passaic County computer & electronics collection Free

Passaic County holds electronics recycling events for county residents. The next one on the county's 2026 list is Friday, October 23 (10 a.m.–3 p.m.) and Saturday, October 24, 2026 (8 a.m.–1 p.m.), at Buehler's Cultural Center, 950 High Mountain Rd., North Haledon. They're free for county residents, and the county's flyer says proof of residency is required. Businesses must call to pre-register. Electronics aren't accepted at the county's household hazardous waste days.

Bring: Proof of Passaic County residency
County recycling office: 973-305-5738

Sources: Passaic County 2026 Recycling Programs (county list, hosted by Borough of Ringwood, PDF); Passaic County 2026 Computer & Electronics Recycling Collections flyer (hosted by Borough of Totowa, PDF); Passaic County 2026 Household Hazardous Waste flyer (hosted by Borough of Totowa, PDF)

Manufacturer mail-back Check with city

Covered-device manufacturers must offer free recycling in New Jersey, often by mail-back or at partner sites. Check your brand's program or ask NJDEP's E-Waste Unit (609-984-3438, ecycle@dep.nj.gov).

Sources: NJDEP – E-Waste program; NJDEP – E-Waste FAQs (PDF)

Don't do this

Don't put computers, monitors, laptops or printers out with FILCO trash or bulk. They're banned from NJ trash.
Don't bring electronics to a Passaic County household hazardous waste day. The county lists them as unacceptable.
Don't take a monitor or printer to United Paterson Enterprises. NJDEP's list says it takes computers only.
Wipe or remove hard drives before you recycle a computer.

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 Paterson's rules, especially for electronics and paint.

LoadUp PLACEHOLDER: not a live link
College HUNKS Hauling Junk PLACEHOLDER: not a live link

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Frequently asked questions

Can I put a computer out for Paterson bulk pickup?

No. Electronics aren't on the city's bulk-item list, and NJ law bans covered devices from the trash. Use an NJDEP-listed site or a county electronics day.

Is electronics recycling free in Paterson?

At NJDEP-approved manufacturer collection sites it should be, because NJ law bars charging consumers there. Call to confirm a site still participates.

When is the next Passaic County electronics day?

The county's 2026 list shows October 23 (10 a.m.–3 p.m.) and October 24 (8 a.m.–1 p.m.), 2026, at 950 High Mountain Rd., North Haledon. Call 973-305-5738 to confirm.

Sources

All checked on October 21, 2026. Rules, hours and fees change, so confirm with the source before you go.