Recycle e-waste at GI Industries

Residents can drop off electronic waste from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday at GI Industries, 195 W. Los Angeles Ave., Simi Valley. This service, provided by Waste Management, is free to all Ventura County residents.

When dropping off, bring proof of residency and check in with the main office. For more information, call Marilyn Gallagher at (805) 955-4342.

Electronic waste, known as "ewaste," cannot be disposed of in landfills because it contains lead and other toxic chemicals.

Waste Management accepts old electronic items for proper disposal but also urges residents to first try to find new homes for working electronics to reduce the waste stream.

Old but still working electronic items can often be sold or given away, such as to schools. Nonprofit thrift stores will take gently-used electronics and will usually give donors a receipt to use for tax purposes.

Freecycle is a free, web-based, nonprofit organization that promotes waste reuse among their members. Members may give and get things for free, in an effort to keep unnecessary waste out of landfills. For information, visit www.Freecycle.com.