Recycle Electronics By Mail
Too far from a drop-off? Small electronics can be mailed to AVA for certified processing and data destruction.
When a drop-off is not practical
"Not everyone is close to an AVA drop-off location or has items that justify scheduling a pickup. For a single laptop, a handful of old phones, or a small hard drive, mailing is often the fastest and most practical option. AVA accepts mail-in shipments from any Illinois or Midwest location."
"Contact our team before shipping to confirm what is accepted and to get the current mailing address. We will confirm the items, provide packing guidance, and let you know if a processing fee applies for any item in your shipment."
"Mail-in recycling is not appropriate for large, heavy, or hazardous items. CRT televisions, batteries shipped loose, and appliances cannot be mailed safely and must be handled through drop-off or pickup. We will clarify any restrictions when you contact us."
How mail-in recycling works
- 1
Contact AVA first
Email or call our team to describe what you are mailing. We confirm the item list, check for any restrictions, and provide the current shipping address.
- 2
Pack your items carefully
Use appropriate packaging for electronics. Wrap screens and hard drives in bubble wrap or anti-static material. Do not include loose batteries in the same box as other electronics.
- 3
Ship via any carrier
Send your package via UPS, FedEx, or USPS to the address we provide. Keep your tracking number in case you need to confirm delivery.
- 4
We receive and process your items
Your items are received, logged, and processed through our certified recycling chain. Data-bearing devices are shredded or wiped under chain-of-custody procedures.
- 5
Certificate issued on request
If you mailed a data-bearing device, request a Certificate of Data Destruction when you contact us. We issue serialized documentation for hard drives processed through our certified destruction chain.
Mail-in recycling: accepted items and restrictions
"AVA Recycling accepts mail-in electronics from individuals and businesses who are too far from a drop-off location. Small electronics including phones, laptops, and hard drives are accepted after a brief confirmation with our team. Contact us first to confirm what you are sending, get the current address, and confirm whether a fee applies."
"Mail-in recycling works best for small, lightweight electronics: mobile phones and smartphones, laptops and tablets, hard drives and SSDs, USB drives and memory cards, small networking devices, and similar items. These pack securely in standard shipping boxes and travel safely via UPS, FedEx, or USPS."
"Data-bearing devices mailed to AVA are processed through the same certified chain-of-custody destruction process as drop-off and pickup accounts. If you mail a hard drive or SSD, request a Certificate of Data Destruction when you contact us, and we will issue serialized documentation after processing."
"Items that should not be mailed include CRT televisions and monitors, which are too heavy and fragile for standard shipping; loose lithium-ion or lithium-polymer batteries, which pose a fire risk in transit and are regulated by IATA and USPS; large appliances; and fluorescent tubes. These items require drop-off or a scheduled pickup."
"Processing fees apply to some items even for mail-in shipments. CRT devices, if somehow received, carry the same fee as drop-off. Our team will confirm any applicable fees when you contact us before shipping. Most standard electronics are processed free of charge."
Mail-in recycling questions
Related Pages
Ready to Recycle by Mail?
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