Acceptable Materials

Yes, AK Recycling accepts CRT (cathode ray tube) televisions and monitors. CRT devices contain significant amounts of lead and other hazardous materials that require specialized handling and processing. We have the equipment and certifications to process CRT glass responsibly, ensuring the lead and other toxins do not enter landfills or the environment.

CRT TVs and monitors are among the most challenging items in the e-waste stream due to their weight, fragility, and hazardous content. Each CRT monitor can contain four to eight pounds of lead, and a large CRT television may contain as much as six to eight pounds. Improper disposal of these items poses a serious environmental and public health risk.

Because of the specialized processing required, there is typically a small fee associated with CRT drop-offs. The fee covers the cost of certified CRT glass processing. Please call us at 323.581.5700 before bringing large quantities of CRT items so we can ensure we have adequate capacity and staff to assist you.

We accept CRT items at our Los Angeles facility at 2105 E. 25th ST. during normal business hours. For businesses with large volumes of CRT monitors or televisions, we can arrange a scheduled pickup. Contact us to discuss the specifics of your situation.

While AK Recycling accepts a wide range of electronic equipment, there are some items we are unable to process at our facility. Items containing materials that exceed our processing capabilities, or that require specialized disposal methods beyond our current certifications, may not be accepted. This includes certain household hazardous waste items that are not strictly electronics.

We do not accept items such as fluorescent light tubes and bulbs (these require a separate mercury recycling process), smoke detectors (which contain radioactive americium), large appliances like refrigerators, washing machines, and dishwashers (unless they have integrated electronics components for which we are specifically called), and certain types of industrial batteries beyond standard lead-acid and lithium types.

Alkaline batteries—the standard AA, AAA, C, D, and 9V batteries you use in everyday devices—are generally not accepted in large commercial quantities without prior arrangement, as they require a different processing pathway. Single-use alkaline batteries from a household cleanup are typically fine in small quantities.

If you are unsure whether a specific item is acceptable, the best approach is to call us at 323.581.5700 or send an email to rich@ak-recycling.com before making the trip. We would rather answer your question in advance than have you make an unnecessary journey. Our staff is knowledgeable and can quickly let you know if we can handle your specific items.

The majority of electronics we accept can be dropped off at no charge. Common items such as computers, laptops, keyboards, mice, printers, networking equipment, phones, and most other standard business and consumer electronics are accepted free of cost at our Los Angeles facility. In some cases, we may even pay you for equipment that has significant residual or scrap value.

There are certain categories of items for which a processing fee applies. CRT monitors and televisions carry a small per-unit fee due to the specialized and costly nature of CRT glass processing. Large quantities of certain mixed plastics or non-recyclable components may also carry fees in some circumstances. We will always be transparent about any fees before accepting your items—there are no surprise charges.

Businesses that schedule regular pickups may be eligible for pricing arrangements that reflect the ongoing relationship and volume. For businesses generating significant quantities of IT equipment, servers, or mixed e-waste on a recurring basis, we recommend calling us to discuss a customized service agreement.

California's Electronic Waste Recycling Act established the California Electronic Waste Recycling Fee (covered-electronic-waste or CEW fee), which consumers pay at the point of purchase. This fee funds the recycling infrastructure in the state, including certified recyclers like AK Recycling. Items that were purchased with this fee attached—such as most monitors, televisions, and portable computers—are typically eligible for free recycling at certified collectors.

Yes, AK Recycling regularly handles large volumes of electronics from businesses, government agencies, schools, hospitals, and other organizations undergoing IT refreshes, office moves, or facility closures. We have the space, equipment, and staffing to process large quantities efficiently and responsibly.

For very large quantities—such as an entire data center decommission, a school district's technology upgrade, or a corporate office relocation—we recommend contacting us in advance. This allows us to schedule adequate resources, arrange appropriate transportation if needed, and ensure a smooth intake process. You can reach us at 323.581.5700 or email rich@ak-recycling.com to discuss the scope of your project.

For large-scale pickups, we can deploy our fleet of vehicles to your location, and our team will handle all the loading and transport. We provide complete documentation for every load, including itemized asset lists, certificates of recycling, and—where applicable—certificates of data destruction. This documentation is important for your organization's compliance records.

We can also accommodate phased pickups if you are working through a large equipment retirement over several weeks or months. Many IT asset managers find it useful to schedule periodic pickups as equipment is decommissioned rather than holding everything until the end of a project. Whatever your logistics require, we are flexible and accommodating.

Absolutely. AK Recycling serves both residential and commercial customers. While a significant portion of our volume comes from business clients—including corporations, government agencies, schools, healthcare facilities, and nonprofits—we welcome individual consumers who want to dispose of their old electronics responsibly.

Residential customers can bring electronics directly to our facility at 2105 E. 25th ST. Los Angeles, CA 90058 during business hours. There is no appointment needed for standard drop-offs of personal electronics such as old computers, laptops, cell phones, tablets, printers, and similar items. Simply drive up and our staff will assist you in unloading.

For residential customers with very small quantities—a single old laptop or a box of miscellaneous cables—we are happy to help. We believe responsible recycling should be accessible to everyone, not just large organizations. Every device properly recycled is one fewer device ending up in a landfill or being processed irresponsibly overseas.

If you have questions about what to bring or how to prepare your items (for example, whether you need to wipe your data before dropping off), please see our <Link href="/data-security">data security page</Link> or call us at 323.581.5700. We can advise you on the best approach for your specific situation.