Electronic waste (or e-waste), is the fastest growing waste stream in the United States. Recycling electronic waste prevents toxic metals, such as lead, mercury and cadmium, from entering the environment and allows for recycling of valuable metals into new products. Reducing the end-of-life impact of electronic waste by recycling helps protect our environment and communities.
Ramsey County is partnering with Repowered to offer free electronics recycling to Ramsey County residents only. E-waste from businesses is not accepted through this partnership.
Through this partnership, Ramsey County residents can bring unwanted electronics to Repowered’s Saint Paul location to be recycled or refurbished for free.
All data from electronics is destroyed physically or electronically wiped.
Accepted items
- Computers and accessories, including monitors, laptops, tablets, keyboards, mice, speakers, printers, and scanners.
- Televisions and accessories, including VCRs, DVRs, Blu-ray players, gaming consoles, and cable boxes.
- Cell phones and accessories, including chargers, adapters, and headphones.
See items not accepted (below) for disposal options for other electronic items.
Items not accepted
The following items are not accepted at Repowered:
- Broken bulbs/lamps, including fluorescent tubes, CFLs, LED and incandescent. You can bring broken bulbs to a Ramsey County household hazardous waste collection site for free. (Unbroken bulbs are accepted at Repowered for $2.00/bulb)
- Car parts
- Hazardous waste, including aerosols, paint, chemicals, radioactive materials and more. Bring these items to a Ramsey County household hazardous waste collection site for free.
- Holiday string lights. String lights can be brought to a Ramsey County household hazardous waste collection site for free
- Items with freon, including A/C units, dehumidifiers, refrigerators and more
- Large and small appliances, including microwaves
- Power tools
- Solar panels
- VHS tapes, cassettes, compact discs and more
Find disposal options for these items on our online A to Z Recycling & Disposal Guide.
Please note: Business waste is not accepted for free through the Ramsey County partnership with Repowered. Businesses can visit this page to learn more about our industry solutions.
How to use the collection site
Here’s how you can get started using this program.
- Review the list of items accepted at Repowered (listed above).
- Gather unwanted electronics and put them in a part of your vehicle that is easily accessible to collection staff. Make sure the devices you want to recycle are easily identifiable from other personal items in your vehicle. For example, place them in a box labeled “electronics recycling” or “Repowered”.
- At Repowered’s Saint Paul location, drive through the site (enter from Vandalia – drop-off door is on the north side of the building, through the parking lot. Follow signs and staff directions). Stay in your vehicle while staff remove the electronics. Staff will confirm your Ramsey County residency.
Hours and Location
860 Vandalia St., St. Paul, MN 55114
Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Second and fourth Saturday 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have a question you don’t see here? Email [email protected].
How is this program funded?
This program is funded by the County Environmental Charge, which is a fee on your trash bill that is based on the cost of trash service.
What happens to my electronics?
All data from electronics is destroyed physically or electronically wiped. Items with life left in them will be refurbished and sold at affordable prices. Other items are deconstructed and responsibly recycled.
What if I have an item that isn’t accepted in this program?
See Ramsey County’s list of items not accepted for alternative disposal options for other electronic items or check their A to Z Recycling & Disposal Guide.
Do you offer pickup service?
No, we do not offer pickup service for this partnership. Learn more about our pickup services here.
Why recycle e-waste?
Electronic waste (or e-waste), is the fastest growing waste stream in the United States. Recycling electronic waste prevents toxic metals – such as lead, mercury, and cadmium – from entering the environment and allows for reuse of refurbished equipment and recycling of valuable materials into new products. Reducing the end-of-life impact of electronic waste by recycling helps protect our environment and communities.
About Repowered
Repowered is an industry leader in electronics recycling, providing fair chances for people, planet, and technology. One of the largest collectors of e-waste in the state of Minnesota, the Twin Cities-based organization has processed nearly 40 million pounds of electronic waste — all while adhering to the highest standards of data security.
In addition to our proven track record of providing seamless electronics recycling, we are also a social enterprise providing jobs and training for persons facing barriers to employment, specifically those with a history of incarceration. Learn more about our mission and social impact here.
