Cook County Plans June 13 E-Waste Recycling Event

Cook County is hosting an electronic waste collection event Saturday, June 13, at the Cook County Recycling Center.

Electronic waste, or “e-waste,” is one of the fastest-growing waste streams in the world as technology continues to evolve rapidly.

The event is being held in partnership with Retrofit Companies. Residents can responsibly recycle electronics from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Items purchased only a few years ago, such as smartwatches and tablets, can quickly become obsolete. Other devices, including laptops and stereos, may have been outdated for years. Without proper disposal, these electronics can end up in landfills, where hazardous materials such as lead, mercury, cadmium and lithium batteries may cause long-term environmental damage.

Improper disposal also prevents valuable materials from being recovered and recycled, increasing demand for mining and contributing to environmental disruption in wildlife habitats around the world.

“Recycling electronics helps conserve natural resources, reduces energy use tied to manufacturing new materials, and keeps potentially harmful substances out of the environment,” Land Services Director Neva Maxwell said in a statement to the county. “In a place like Cook County, where clean water, forests, wetlands and Lake Superior are central to our community and economy, responsible recycling plays an important role in long-term environmental stewardship.”

Maxwell said the June 13 event is intended for devices with batteries that are not easily removable. Lithium-ion batteries from electronics have caused fires at waste and recycling facilities across the country.

Residents can dispose of loose batteries and other hazardous materials during the Household Hazardous Waste Collection Event on July 18.

“The Household Hazardous Waste event is a great opportunity for residents to safely and responsibly dispose of old paints, chemicals, batteries, cleaners and other hazardous materials that should not go in household trash, free of charge,” Maxwell said. “The event will also include collection opportunities for qualifying businesses that pre-register in advance.”

Josh Hinke June 8, 2026