Homeboy Recycling (founded in 2011 as Isidore Electronics Recycling and joined Homeboy Industries…read morein 2016 - it is the same parent company as Homeboy Bakery) is a certified electronics recycler with a focus on making social impact and providing quality job opportunities. Unlike other electronics recyclers, Homeboy Recycling is one of the most certified companies in the e-waste industry including R2 (Responsible Recycling), B-Corp (Benefit Corporation), ISO 14001, and ISO 45001 certifications. This is LA's only R2 Certified Recycler which means they follow certain standards on how to handle your sensitive data and potentially hazardous materials while protecting their employees' health and safety.
[Service]: I wanted to dispose my old 20+ years old desktop and I called Homeboy Recycling on whether they offer data transfer service before disposing my computer. The lady on the phone was super nice and said she will call back. Less than a hour later I got a call back and she said her boss said they don't offer data transfer service. I ultimately went to somewhere else for data transfer service, but I did stop by here to drop off my old desktop without a hard-drive.
[Parking]: A pretty small parking lot but parking shouldn't be an issue.
[Process]: After I parked, one of the employees quickly inspected my old desktop and took it away. I asked whether I need to pay a fee and he said I am good - all done in less than 5 minutes.
[Electronics recycling - community drop offs]: Please note that data destruction services are also available, but recycling drop offs are not eligible for NAID AAA certified services and require visitors to call or email for more information. Data destruction is always guaranteed for recycling drop offs and NAID AAA certification is not required for complete data destruction of devices. Please note that certain electronic items have drop-off fees.
[Accepted items]: Anything with a cord, cable, or battery. For any items with fee listed there's a $5 minimum per item.
* Computers (no fees): Laptops, Desktop Computers, and accessories (keyboards, mice, etc.)
* Networking Equipment (no fees): Servers, Switches, Routers, etc.
* Mobile Devices (no fees): Cell Phones, iPads/Tablets, iPods/MP3 players, E-Readers, etc.
* Printers: Desktop/Inkjet Printers ($5), Large Plotters ($50), Floor Copiers ($50), Oversized Copier ($9), Fax Machines ($5), Scanners ($5), etc.
* Audio/Video Equipment: Cable Boxes, VCR & DVD Players ($5), Projectors, Cameras, Stereo Systems, etc.
* Displays: CRT Televisions ($50 on Broken TV/No Logs), Flatscreen Televisions, DLP Televisions ($50), Computer Monitors, etc.
* e-Bikes & e-Scooter Parts: Memory, Processors, Circuit Boards, Cables/Wire, Motors, etc.
* Mixed Media ($3 per lb): CDs, DVDs, VCR video tapes, etc.
* Miscellaneous Items: Electronic Toys ($5), Christmas Lights, Exercise Equipment ($150), Smoke Detectors ($10), Fans ($5), etc.
* Mixed Batteries ($3 per lb): Alkaline, Li-ion, Ni-Cad, NiMH, Lead Acid (non-automotive)
* Lamps ($5): Fluorescent Tubes, CFLs, LED, Incandescent
* Mixed Lightbulbs ($3 per lb)
* Large items: Freezers, Refrigerators ($150 for large size and $35 for small size), Washers, Dryers, Ovens/Stoves, Water Heaters, Air-Conditioners, Dehumidifiers, etc.
* Small appliances ($5 with the exception of microwaves): Microwaves ($10), Toasters, Blenders/Mixers, Slow Cookers, etc.
* Others: Satellite Dishes ($10), Vacuum Cleaners ($10), etc.
[Not accepted]
* Hazardous Waste: Pressurized canisters, Paint, Chemicals, Oils, etc.
* Biological/Medical Waste: Sharps, Medication, Hygiene, etc.
* Broken Bulbs/Lamps: More than incidental breakage
* Mercury-containing Equipment: Thermostats, Pressure/Vacuum Gauges, etc.
* Other: Car Parts, Power Tools, Solar Panels
I will certainly be dropping off more electronic items at this place if I ever need it again.
P.S. - Apparently they have a retail store with (1) refurbished computer systems and mobile devices with warranties, (2) vintage audio, (3) gaming systems, and (4) other specialty equipment that has been restored by technicians.