HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — What’s a great way to celebrate Earth Month, offload electronics you no longer use, and help a local business ring in its 30th anniversary?
How about joining ABC13 and CompuCycle for the 19th annual ABC13 Earth Day E-Cycle Drive, an event focused on helping our communities safely recycle electronics.
From 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday, April 24, 2026, you can stop by CompuCycle at 8019 Kempwood Dr., Houston, TX 77055 to drop off old or unwanted electronics.
Take a look through some of the action (and big equipment donations!) during 2025’s drive at CompuCycle.
CompuCycle, who is celebrating 30 years in business and sponsoring this event, will take care of the rest, and you can leave knowing you’ve played a part in reducing harmful e-waste.
You don’t even have to get out of your car as the CompuCycle team will assist once you arrive.
Each year, the amount of electronic waste dropped off for recycling has grown with the drive hitting 100,000 pounds or more multiple times over the years.
In fact, ABC13’s Earth Day E-Cycle Drive holds the Guinness World Record for the largest single day e-waste collection, set in 2014 when we collected 138,174 lbs. of electronics.
But records were meant to be broken!
We want to top that this year. Will you help us?
Here’s what else to know before the big day.
How much is it?
Free! You can drop off and all will be handled at no cost to you. No appointment necessary.
Is there anything I should prepare?
Yes! Before you drop off electronics, back up any important data and perform a factory reset on devices that store personal information. Remove any accessories like cables and chargers.
What can I drop off?
Old computers and phones are just the tip of the iceberg. CompuCycle accepts various items from fax machines and Wi-Fi extenders to e-readers, MP3 players, streaming devices, and charging cables.
Read on to see the full list.
Computers & Mobile Devices
Desktops
Laptops
Tablets
All-In-One Computers
Cellphones
Smartphones
Pagers
Home Office Equipment
Routers
Modems
Wi-Fi Extenders
Network Switches
Printers
Fax Machines
Scanners
Personal Electronics
E-Readers
MP3 Players
Smartwatches
GPS Devices
Fitness Trackers
Portable DVD Players
Portable Hard Drives & USB Flash Drives
Entertainment & Gaming
TVs (LCD, LED, Plasma)
DVD/Blu-ray Players
Streaming Devices (Roku, AppleTV, etc.)
Gaming Consoles
Handheld Game Systems
Audio & Video Equipment
Speakers
Sound Systems
Home Theater Systems
Digital Cameras
Camcorders
Power Systems
HDMI Cables
Ethernet Cables
Composite Cables (red, white, & yellow)
All Charging Cables
Power Cords & Adapters
What items are not accepted?
While CompuCycle accepts a lot, there are some items they can’t take on for the safety of their employees and the environment.
In general, the company can’t accept items that pose a fire, explosion, or pollution risk.
Specifically, the below would be a no-go:
Household appliances
Fans
Refrigerators
Stoves
Washer/Dryers
Microwaves
Vacuum Cleaners
Hazardous Materials
Paint
Light Bulbs
Oil Waste
Mercury Devices
Medical/Biohazard Waste
Specialized Equipment
Smoke Alarms
Solar Panels
Dehumidifiers
Air Conditioners
If you have questions, reach out to CompuCycle.
Is there a limit to what I can drop off?
The sky’s the limit!
Seriously.
Whether you have one device or several, you can bring them by during the drive.
What happens to my electronics after I drop them off?
Once collected, CompuCycle sorts your old electronics, hard drives are wiped clean for your safety, and all materials are then processed for use in new consumer products.
Goods are also recycled in compliance with their e-Stewards certification, according to CompuCycle’s website, adding that they will guarantee secure data destruction on all devices with storage capabilities to protect your personal information.
Why does safely recycling electronics matter?
Diverting hundreds of thousands of pounds of e-waste from Houston landfills promotes a healthier city, preventing the release of toxins in our air, soil and water.
Typically, the impact and response during the drive is great.
In 2024, ABC13 viewers recycled the equivalent of 382 refrigerators worth of electronic waste.
240.92 lbs. of toxic metals divertedReduction of 45.37 metric tons of greenhouse gasSaved 383.72 gallons of oilLike removing nearly 10 cars from the road293.60 cubic yards of landfill space saved3,736,637.20 hours of electricity savedWhat if I can’t make it?
We really want to see you on Friday, April 24, but we know things happen.
CompuCycle accepts drop-offs Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Business deliveries can be scheduled by calling (713) 869-6700.
In addition, both residential and corporate drop-offs are welcome during the drive.
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