Rhode Island guide
How to get rid of a TV or electronics in Rhode Island
Covered computers and televisions are banned from landfill disposal in Rhode Island. Manufacturers fund recycling. Households and K-12 schools can use the free state program at Resource Recovery, and many towns publish their own e-waste rules.
Facts checked against RIDEM, RIRRC, and town sources on 2026-11-05.
Statewide landfill ban and manufacturer programs
- RIDEM: Rhode Island's e-waste and disposal ban law (R.I.G.L. Chapter 23-24.10) covers computers (CPUs), CRT and flat-panel monitors, combination units, laptops with screens greater than 9 inches diagonally, televisions (CRT, LCD, plasma) with screens greater than 9 inches diagonally, and similar video display devices with screens greater than 9 inches that contain a circuit board.
- Manufacturers must run their own take-back program or join the state program administered by RIRRC.
- Ban on disposal of covered electronics at the Central Landfill took effect January 31, 2009 (RIDEM business e-waste page summarizing the law).
Sources: RIDEM household e-waste, RIDEM e-waste for businesses (law summary).
Free state program at Resource Recovery
- RIRRC offers free recycling for computers (monitors, towers, laptops, tablets) and TVs to Rhode Island households and K-12 schools (public and private) during operating hours.
- RIRRC does not accept peripherals (keyboard, mouse, printer) or other electric / electronic items under that free covered-product program.
- FY27 Fee Schedule still lists residential e-waste at $0, with separate commercial / non-recoverable unit rates for other customers.
- Other RI e-waste collection programs exist beyond the state program; see RIRRC's A-Z e-waste listing.
Sources: RIRRC Electronic Waste, Fee Schedule FY27 PDF.
Town pages with electronics / TV fees
- Coventry - E-waste (TVs, monitors, computers, laptops, tablets): Free
- Exeter - Televisions: $10 (town fee page); ordinance table lists $0 — confirm at station; Computers / microwave ovens: $10 on town fee page
- Jamestown - E-waste: No longer accepted at the Transfer Station
- New Shoreham - Bulky waste, C&D, furniture, carpet, yard waste, e-waste (typical scale items): $340 per ton or $0.17 per lb
- North Kingstown - Household hazardous waste is not covered as a regular drop-off on the fee schedule. E-waste is free at yearly town events, often with Eco-Depot; call DPW. Use RIRRC Eco-Depot for hazardous waste.
- Portsmouth - Electronic waste and hazardous waste (liquid or solid) are not accepted. For e-waste see Indie Cycle or RIRRC A-Z. For household hazardous waste use RIRRC Eco-Depot: https://www.rirrc.org/ecodepot.
- Richmond - Scrap metal, used motor oil and filters, antifreeze, e-waste (standard): Free (see attendant)
- West Greenwich - E-waste (residential): Free under state program / Indie Cycle rules