2026 ABC13 Earth Day E-Cycle Drive sets event record with 132K lbs. of electronic waste collected

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- ABC13 viewers came from all over the Houston area to take part in our 19th annual Earth Day E-Cycle Drive at CompuCycle, and in doing so, helped set a record.

During the 2026 drive, 132,293 lbs. of material were collected, marking the largest amount ever for the event.

Each E-Cycle drive focuses on helping our communities safely recycle electronics.

Most important, processing more than 132,000 lbs. of electronics equals sustainability and truly helping to reduce the waste that would otherwise pollute our planet.

Here's how:

- 306.66 pounds of toxic metals were diverted
- Reduction of 57.75 metric tons of greenhouse gases
- 488.41 gallons of oil saved
- 12.55 passenger cars removed from the road
- 373.71 cubic yards of landfill space saved
- 4,756,109.00 hours of electricity saved

Not just that, the poundage itself is equivalent to the weight of 11.54 elephants and the weight of 486.37 refrigerators.

So, when we say the impact we made together is huge, we mean it!

This year's event was also special as CompuCycle, a longtime partner, celebrated its 30th anniversary.

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Take a look through some of the action (and big equipment donations!) during 2025's drive at CompuCycle.

Each year, the amount of electronic waste dropped off for recycling has grown, with the drive hitting 100,000 pounds or more multiple times over the years.

For example, in 2024, we hit 103,936 lbs. of electronic waste collected. The following year, that jumped to 114,508 lbs.

Prior to 2026, the largest amount on record was set in 2014 when we collected 128,699 lbs. of electronics.

Each E-Cycle drive focuses on helping our communities safely recycle electronics, and we're proud of how the Houston area helped make that happen!

The highly-anticipated event is one that many return to year after year.

If you missed stopping by in 2026, bring your old tech to the event in 2027.

Until then, read more about how the ABC13 Earth Day E-Cycle Drive works below.

How much is it?

Free! You can drop off, and all will be handled at no cost to you. No appointment necessary.

Is there anything I should prepare?

Yes! Before you drop off electronics, back up any important data and perform a factory reset on devices that store personal information. Remove any accessories like cables and chargers.

What can I drop off?

Old computers and phones are just the tip of the iceberg. CompuCycle accepts various items from fax machines and Wi-Fi extenders to e-readers, MP3 players, streaming devices, and charging cables.

Read on to see the full list.

Computers & Mobile Devices: Desktops, laptops, tablets, all-in-one computers, cellphones, smartphones, pagers

Home Office Equipment: Routers, modems, Wi-Fi extenders, network switches, printers, fax machines, scanners

Personal Electronics: E-Readers, MP3 players, smartwatches, GPS devices, fitness trackers, portable DVD players, portable hard drives & USB flash drives

Entertainment & Gaming: TVs (LCD, LED, Plasma), DVD/Blu-ray players, streaming devices (Roku, AppleTV, etc.), gaming consoles, handheld game systems

Audio & Video Equipment: Speakers, sound systems, home theater systems, digital cameras, camcorders

Power Systems: HDMI cables, ethernet cables, composite cables (red, white, & yellow), all charging cables, power cords & adapters

What items are not accepted?

While CompuCycle accepts a lot, there are some items they can't take on for the safety of their employees and the environment.

In general, the company can't accept items that pose a fire, explosion, or pollution risk.

Specifically, the below would be a no-go:

Household Appliances: Fans, refrigerators, stoves, washer/dryers, microwaves, vacuum cleaners

Hazardous Materials: Paint, light bulbs, oil waste, mercury devices, medical/biohazard waste

Specialized Equipment: Smoke alarms, solar panels, dehumidifiers, air conditioners

If you have questions, reach out to CompuCycle.

Is there a limit to what I can drop off?

You can bring up to five items during the drive.

So whether you have one device or several, you can drop them off during the drive.

What happens to my electronics after I drop them off?

Once collected, CompuCycle sorts your old electronics, hard drives are wiped clean for your safety, and all materials are then processed for use in new consumer products.

Goods are also recycled in compliance with their e-Stewards certification, according to CompuCycle's website, adding that they will guarantee secure data destruction on all devices with storage capabilities to protect your personal information.

Why does safely recycling electronics matter?

Diverting hundreds of thousands of pounds of e-waste from Houston landfills promotes a healthier city, preventing the release of toxins in our air, soil and water.

Typically, the impact and response during the drive are great.

In 2024, ABC13 viewers recycled the equivalent of 382 refrigerators worth of electronic waste.

• 240.92 lbs. of toxic metals diverted
• Reduction of 45.37 metric tons of greenhouse gas
• Saved 383.72 gallons of oil
• Like removing nearly 10 cars from the road
• 293.60 cubic yards of landfill space saved
• 3,736,637.20 hours of electricity saved

What if I can't make it?

CompuCycle accepts drop-offs Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Business deliveries can be scheduled by calling (713) 869-6700.

Only residential drop-offs are allowed during the drive.