Accepted / Not Accepted Residential Electronic Items

COVID-19 UPDATE
   All SWALCO supported Residential Electronics Collection Drop Off Locations remain OPEN during their regularly scheduled times of operations.  Please refer to the Drop Off Locations Page for a list of sites and hours. This information will be updated in the event of any changes. 

Accepted Residential Electronics

  • Cable Receivers
  • Cameras
  • CD Players
  • Computers (including tablets)
  • Computer Drives
  • Cords and Cables
  • Digital Converter Boxes
  • Digital Video Disc Players
  • Digital Video Disc Recorders
  • Electronic Keyboards
  • Electronic Mice
  • Facsimile Machines
  • Holiday Lights
  • Mainframes
  • Modems
  • Monitors
  • PDA Organizers
  • Portable Digital Music Players
  • Printers
  • Satellite Receivers
  • Scanners
  • Shredders
  • Small Scale Servers
  • Stereos
  • Tablets
  • Telephones
  • Televisions
  • Video Cassette Recorders
  • Video Game Consoles 
Items listed above in bold are prohibited by State law from being disposed of in the trash.

Non Acceptable Residential Electronics

Additional Information


  
THE SWALCO RESIDENTIAL ELECTRONICS RECYCLING PROGRAM IS FOR LAKE COUNTY RESIDENTS ONLY

No commercial, institutional or governmental electronics will be accepted.  All items must be free of any packaging material and operating manuals. Recycle packaging materials and manuals along with your regular household recycling. Household Chemical Waste is not accepted at electronics recycling collection sites.

Electronics are not accepted at the SWALCO office in Gurnee.​ If you have questions regarding recycling or disposal of other items not found on this page, please call us at 847-377-4950.

All electronic devices that are collected through SWALCO will be recycled by Electronic Recyclers International, Inc.

Important Notice about Batteries


The following batteries are NOT ACCEPTED at SWALCO sponsored Residential Electronics Collection sites or the SWALCO Household Chemical Waste Collection program:

  • Alkaline Batteries: AAA, AA, C, D, 9v & 6v
  • Long Life Non-Rechargeable Batteries (button cell batteries): Lithium, Zinc-Air, Silver-oxide

Alkaline and Long Life Non-Rechargeable batteries are non-hazardous and may be disposed of in the regular trash.  You may explore other possible options regarding alkaline battery disposal/recycling on our Odds & Ends page.

The following lead acid (wet cell) batteries are NOT ACCEPTED at SWALCO sponsored Residential Electronic Collection sites or the SWALCO Household Chemical Waste Collection program. Lead acid batteries are prohibited by State law from being disposed of in the trash and should be returned to place of purchase or metal scrap yard that may accept them.

    •  Lead Acid Batteries: Auto, Motorcycle, Boat, Recreational Vehicle, Lawn Tractor, and
       Backup Sump Pump.

The following rechargeable batteries are ACCEPTED at both SWALCO sponsored residential electronics collection sites and the SWALCO Household Chemical Waste Collection program include:

  • Rechargeable Batteries: Nickel Cadmium (NiCd), Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMh), Lithium Ion (Li-ion), and Sealed Lead Acid
To avoid the risk of cross-contact of rechargeable battery terminals, which can result in sparking and possible fire, residents must place a piece of household type tape over the contact points on each rechargeable battery or place each rechargeable battery into a self-locking plastic baggie (one rechargeable battery per bag).