Electronics and Mercury - Containing Products Banned from King County Garbage
E-Cycle Washington provides a listing of free responsible recycling locations for computers, monitors and TVs in Washington.
King County transfer stations do not accept computers, computer monitors, including flat panel and cathode ray tube monitors, TVs, and cell phones for disposal.
This equipment contains lead, mercury, cadmium, brominated flame retardants and other hazardous materials. If disposed improperly, these toxic materials may be released into the environment, posing a heath hazard.
The best way to handle unwanted electronic products is to have them reused or recycle them if they are outdated, obsolete or broken. King County residents and business have several options for reusing and recycling their used electronic equipment.
The Take it Back Network electronics retailers, repair shops, non-profit groups, garbage haulers and recyclers that accept used electronic equipment for reuse or recycling. Most charge a fee for recycling the products.
Recycling Collection Events - The Solid Waste Division (SWD) and the suburban cities in King County hold periodic recycling collection events for residents.
Mercury-Containing Products (fluorescents, thermometers, batteries, etc.) Banned from King County Garbage
King County transfer stations and garbage haulers no longer accept "green tip" or "low mercury" fluorescent lamps, compact fluorescent "twirly" bulbs, thermostats, thermometers, mercury- added button batteries (watch, thermometer, and hearing aids) and mercury switches for disposal.
These products contain mercury, a highly toxic substance particularly damaging to the developing fetus and young children. Once released mercury circulates between air, water and soil, impacting fish and humans who consume fish.
Mercury-containing products need to be properly recycled. King County residents and businesses have several options for recycling their mercury products.
Business Fluorescent Lamps:
Many local private sector businesses recycle fluorescent lamps from businesses. Financial assistance is available to help recycle fluorescent lamps.
Household Fluorescent Lamps:
Visit the Take it Back Network - The network provides options for collecting burned out fluorescent bulbs and tubes and recycling the mercury and other components in a safe, efficient, and cost-effective manner. Most businesses charge a fee for recycling.
King County transfer stations do not accept computers, computer monitors, including flat panel and cathode ray tube monitors, TVs, and cell phones for disposal. 
Household Fluorescent Lamps:
