Recycling Pricing -- How It Works
Most electronics cost nothing to recycle. Here's what's free, what carries a fee, and how to get an exact quote.
Recovered material value covers processing for most electronics
"Electronics contain metals, plastics, and circuit boards with real commodity value. When AVA processes a load of computers, networking gear, or servers, the downstream sale of recovered copper, aluminum, steel, and circuit boards offsets the cost of collection, processing, and certification. That economics is why most electronics recycling is free for the customer."
"A fee applies when the material value does not cover the processing cost. CRT televisions and monitors are the most common example: the leaded glass in a CRT is expensive to process responsibly, and there is no commodity market that offsets that cost. Certain large appliances and specialty items fall in the same category."
"For business clients, the economics often improve further. A large lot of servers, networking gear, or working laptops contains more recoverable value per unit than a household load of mixed consumer electronics. Large-lot business pickups frequently qualify for no-cost or reduced-cost collection, and high-value equipment can generate a revenue share."
Free vs. fee: the basic breakdown
Free Items
Computers, laptops, servers, LCD/LED monitors, printers, phones, tablets, networking gear, and most small electronics.
Fee Items
CRT televisions and monitors, certain large appliances, and specialty items where processing cost exceeds material value.
Data Destruction
Certified hard drive shredding and degaussing with a serialized Certificate of Data Destruction is a paid add-on service.
Learn moreHow pricing works for businesses and residents
"AVA Recycling provides free electronics recycling for most items because recovered material value covers processing costs. CRT televisions and monitors, certified hard drive destruction, and some specialty items carry fees. Business lots with valuable equipment often qualify for no-cost or revenue-sharing pickup. The fastest path to an exact price is a brief item-list submission."
"For residential drop-off, pricing is straightforward. Most items are free; CRT televisions and monitors carry a published fee at drop-off. Residents pay the fee at the time of drop-off. There is no account setup and no minimum volume."
"For residential pickup, a minimum volume or distance requirement may apply. AVA dispatches trucks on scheduled routes, and a single small item in a remote location may not justify a dedicated truck. Contact our team if you are unsure whether your load qualifies for no-cost pickup."
"For commercial pickup, pricing depends on four factors: item types and volumes, the presence of CRT items, whether certified data destruction is required, and the distance from our Addison facility. Large lots with valuable equipment, including servers, networking gear, and working laptops, frequently qualify for no-cost pickup. Some high-value lots generate a revenue share paid to the client."
"Certified data destruction is a separate line item from recycling. Hard drive shredding and degaussing require additional handling, documentation, and downstream processing. A per-drive or per-lot fee applies, and you receive a serialized Certificate of Data Destruction for your compliance records. HIPAA-covered organizations, financial institutions, and government agencies typically include this service in every pickup."
"The fastest way to get an exact price is to submit an item list through our pickup form or call 866-770-2650. Our operations team reviews the list, checks current commodity pricing, and responds with a quote and logistics plan."
Pricing questions
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