Alachua County will stop collecting large electronics (e-waste) curbside starting on Monday, Oct. 20.
According to an Alachua County release, GFL (Green For Life), the county’s waste hauler, will no longer collect the large e-waste items left at the curb. The decision was made following recent facility and equipment fires related to e-waste, along with other environmental concerns.
What is considered large e-waste?
The following items will no longer be picked up as part of the county’s curbside collection program:
- Televisions
- Light fixtures that contain a ballast
- Tower computers
- Large printers (e.g., home office printer/scanner size)
- Any items containing Lithium Batteries (e.g., e-scooters, hoverboards and laptops)
How to dipose of large e-waste
Alachua County residents have several options for properly disposing of large e-waste items:
- Drop-off at the main Hazardous Waste Collection facility: Bring items to the main facility at 5125 NE 63rd Ave. in Gainesville. Drop-off is free for county residents.
- Drop-off at rural collection centers: Take items to the Hazardous Waste section of any of the five rural collection centers across the county.
- Privately contract a collection company: Residents may also choose to hire a collection company for home pickup services.
Curbside collection for other items unchanged
Residents should note that this change does not affect the curbside collection of other large items. GFL will continue to pick up:
- White goods, like microwaves, ovens, water heaters, refrigerators, freezers, window AC units, and other similar large appliances.
- Bulk waste, such as furniture, large children’s toys, bicycles, vacuum cleaners, ceiling fans, box fans, luggage, audio speakers, and limited interior remodeling debris.
For more information, residents can contact the Alachua County Solid Waste and Resource Recovery Department at 352-338-3233.
The recent decision to stop curbside collection of large electronic waste items is short-sighted and unfair to residents. Many people, especially seniors and those without trucks, have no practical way to haul heavy televisions or computer monitors to a distant facility. Without a convenient option, we risk seeing more illegal dumping in neighborhoods and along roadsides — creating both an eyesore and an environmental hazard. Since residents already pay for waste services, the county and its hauler should either restore e-waste curbside pickup or offer scheduled collection days to ensure responsible and accessible disposal for everyone.