ANN ARBOR — Ann Arbor Electronics Recycling is expanding in 2026, offering residents multiple opportunities to safely dispose of household electronics. From City Hall drop-offs to scheduled collection events, the program aims to make responsible e-waste disposal more accessible across the city. The City of Ann Arbor Office of Sustainability and Innovations will offer several opportunities for residents to responsibly dispose of household electronics in 2026. Specifically, the city will host collection events at various locations. In addition, it will provide drop-off receptacles across the city. The first opportunity will come March 9 through March 24, 2026, at a secure drop-off receptacle located in City Hall during regular business hours (8 a.m. – 5 p.m.).

Ann Arbor Electronics Recycling Guidelines and 2026 Event Schedule

This secure drop-off receptacle will accept a wide range of household electronics. These include laptops, cell phones, tablets, keyboards, hard drives, hotspots, GPS units, routers and modems. In addition, residents can drop off cords and cables, media such as CDs, DVDs, disks and tapes, alkaline batteries (no lithium batteries) and consoles.

The receptacle opening is 1.5 inches tall, and items that do not fit cannot be accepted. Once the receptacle is full, no additional items will be accepted, and an announcement will be posted online and at the receptacle indicating that collections are closed.

Registration is not required for drop-off at the receptacle, but residents interested in dropping off electronics are encouraged to visit a2gov.org/electronics before visiting to ensure their items are within acceptance guidelines.

“Electronics collection events were highly successful in 2025,” said Genevieve Rattray, Sustainability Manager at OSI.
“We will expand our programs in 2026 while maintaining responsible recycling practices.
We will work with an e-Stewards Certified recycler to ensure safe and ethical handling.
This approach prevents hazardous e-waste export, protects workers and prioritizes reuse.
                                                                                  It also ensures secure data destruction for all collected electronics.”

For 2026, the Office of Sustainability and Innovations will host bimonthly electronics collection events, as outlined below, with more details available at a2gov.org/electronics.

  • March 9 – 24, 2026 – Drop off at City Hall; no registration required

  • April 25, 2026 – Drop off event, location TBD; registration required

  • June 6, 2026 – Drop off event, location TBD; registration required

  • August 8, 2026 – Drop off event, location TBD; registration required

  • October 24, 2026 – Drop off event, location TBD; registration required

  • December 14, 2026 – January 5, 2027 – Drop off at City Hall; no registration required

Ann Arbor Electronics Recycling Supports a Circular Economy

These collections are made possible through the Community Climate Action Millage, passed in 2022. As a result, the program supports climate action across Ann Arbor, including efforts toward a more circular economy.

Through the Millage, the Office of Sustainability and Innovations contracted with Comprenew, an e-Stewards certified electronics recycler based in Michigan to ensure that all electronics donated are repaired, refurbished, repurposed, or recycled.

Electronics collection and reuse is a key component to moving towards a circular economy, one of over 40 actions outlined in the City’s A2ZERO carbon neutrality plan. A circular economy focuses on extending the usable life of items through reuse, repair, lending, and other activities.

To learn more, visit a2gov.org/CircularEconomy.

The Bottom Line

Ann Arbor Electronics Recycling is set to play a vital role in helping residents manage e-waste responsibly throughout 2026. As more collection opportunities become available, residents can more easily participate in safe disposal practices that support environmental goals. Moreover, by partnering with certified recyclers and promoting reuse, the city continues to strengthen its commitment to a circular economy. Ultimately, Ann Arbor Electronics Recycling reflects a practical step toward reducing waste while advancing long-term sustainability efforts.

FAQs:

1. Where can residents access Ann Arbor Electronics Recycling services?

Ann Arbor Electronics Recycling services are available at City Hall drop-off receptacles. In addition, the city hosts bimonthly collection events at various locations.

2. What items are accepted in Ann Arbor Electronics Recycling programs?

Ann Arbor Electronics Recycling accepts items such as laptops, phones, tablets, cables, media devices and alkaline batteries. However, certain items like lithium batteries are not accepted.

3. Is data securely handled through Ann Arbor Electronics Recycling?

Yes, Ann Arbor Electronics Recycling partners with certified recyclers to ensure secure data destruction and responsible handling of all collected electronics.