Electronic Waste and Battery Recycling

What is Electronic Waste? 

Electronic waste (E-Waste) refers to the electronics that are nearing the end of their useful life and are discarded, donated, or given to a recycler, and it has become one of the fastest growing waste streams in the world.  According to a 2019 report by the United Nations (UN) E-Waste Coalition, the world produces approximately 50 million tons of E-Waste every year, and this is expected to more than double to 110 million tons by 2050.  Approximately 80% of this E-Waste ends up in landfills where it leaches into soil and groundwater, risking food supply systems and water sources, or it is informally recycled in developing countries, exposing workers to hazardous substances such as mercury and lead.  In addition to these pollution and health impacts, improper handling of E-Waste results in a loss of valuable and finite raw materials such as gold, copper, and platinum.

Proper E-Waste recycling helps ensure E-Waste does not end up in landfill or improperly disposed in an unregulated site in the U.S. or abroad. When conscious consumers responsibly dispose their E-Waste through certified E-Waste recyclers, electronics are safely disassembled so the valuable raw materials are recovered and recycled and toxic chemicals are properly handled.  

Curbside Collection of E-Waste

E-Waste is accepted as part of Union City’s Bulky Item Collection Program. Multi-family residents should contact their Property Manager to arrange for a Bulky Item Collection for a fee.  

E-Waste Drop-Off Collection

Tri-CED Community Recycling is a state-certified E-Waste collection facility that accepts E-Waste year-round and has been safely handling E-Waste for almost 20 years. During business hours, conveniently drive through to drop off your old television set, laptop, computer monitor/keyboards, desktop printer/copier, stereo and stereo equipment, batteries, cell phones, and other electronic waste at no additional cost. No appointment necessary.

Tri-CED Community Recycling
33377 Western Avenue
Union City, CA
(510) 429-8030

Open 5 Days a Week:
Tuesday - Saturday, 9:00 am to 4:30 pm
Closed Monday and Sunday

Refrigerators, stoves, microwave ovens, dishwashers, small appliances such as fans and hair dryers, and other "bulky" items do not qualify as E-Waste. For these items, please contact your Property Manger to arrange for a Bulky Item Collection for a fee.

Battery & Cell Phone Recycling

Tri-CED accepts battery and cell phone drop-offs at no additional cost. Accepted items include AAA, AA, C, D, button cell, 9-volt, alkaline, rechargeable, lithium and coin cells, small button-size batteries for watches and hearing aids and all cell phones and cell phone batteries.

For your convenience, the City of Union City has also established battery collection stations at City Hall and in our community centers. Look for the battery drop-off display at the following locations:

  • City Hall, 34009 Alvarado-Niles Road
  • Ruggieri Senior Center, 33997 Alvarado-Niles Road
  • Mark Green Sports Center, 31224 Union City Blvd
  • Kennedy Community Center, 1333 Decoto Road
  • Holly Community Center, 31600 Alvarado Blvd

Car batteries will not be accepted as part of the curbside collection program. Safely recycle car batteries at an Alameda County HHW Drop-off Facility or local auto parts store. Search for convenient recycling options using the StopWaste RE:Source Guide.