San Mateo County and Goodwill invites residents to drop off e-waste in Foster City

“It’s important to recycle electronics because it’s actually illegal to dispose of in the garbage,” Tong said. “It contains hazardous materials such as lead, mercury and cadmium, that if disposed of incorrectly can leach into the soil and water and pollute those areas and environment.”  

Acceptable items for donation include small appliances including microwaves, hair dryers, vacuums, cellphones, computers, keyboards, hard drives and more. Large appliances such as washing machines or air conditioners, as well as batteries, smoke detectors, thermostats, fluorescent light bulbs and solar panels will not be accepted. 

“It includes most things with a battery or a charge or plug,” Tong said. “With the modern age, there’s so many things that are now ‘smart’ and have computer chips or batteries that previously wouldn’t.” 

In addition to recycling old, broken electronics, Goodwill adds to the county’s effort to promote sustainability by also reusing the items that may still work. 

“They will collect the electronics, look at them, and see if any are still working,” Tong said. “Not only do they recycle the ones that are broke, but find the ones that are reusable and give those a second life.” 

Reusing electronics is the ideal situation, Tong said, because not only does it curb waste but it also lowers the demand for the continuous mining of materials by conserving resources. 

The Sustainability Department hopes this event will further promote proper recycling methods, Tong said, and show residents that there are areas within the county — such as Shoreway Environmental Center in San Carlos — that accept e-waste regularly. 

The drive-thru drop-off event will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Foster City City Hall parking lot Saturday, July 20.