Do you have a closet full of old electronics that you’re just not sure what to do with? Every year, Americans throw away an estimated 6.9 million tons of electronic waste (e-waste), making it one of the fastest growing waste streams in the world.
Throwing old electronics in the trash can have harmful effects on our environment, e-waste is responsible for two-thirds of heavy metals sitting in our landfills – leaching toxic chemicals into the soil. Ensuring your electronic waste is recycled properly can help keep our groundwater safe.
This April, the Detroit Zoological Society (DZS) is giving community members the opportunity to safely recycle used and unwanted electronics and earn a reward! The Detroit Zoo’s annual E-Recycling Event returns on Saturday and Sunday, April 18-19, 2026, from 9 a.m. to Noon.
How the Event Works
Bring your old electronics at the Detroit Zoo’s large surface parking lot along 10 Mile Road. No Zoo admission is required to participate in the E-Recycling drop-off. Here’s how the reward system works:
- Fill a 17-gallon (or larger) tub with electronics to receive one complimentary Zoo admission ticket.
- Fill an entire trunk or backseat with electronics to receive two complimentary Zoo admission tickets.
- Make sure to review the registration page for more details about removing personal information from electronics and safely preparing batteries to avoid a fire hazard.
Acceptable Electronic Items
The following categories of electronics are accepted at the event:
- Televisions and monitors
- Computers and laptops
- Cell phones and tablets
- Printers and peripherals
- Batteries (please use clear tape to cover both ends on lithium, sealed lead-acid, and batteries greater than 9 volts)
- Other common household electronics
For the complete and most current list of accepted items and guidelines, please visit Electronic Waste Recycling – Detroit Zoo.
Register and find the full event details here.
Learn more about the Office of Sustainability‘s efforts to promote environmental stewardship and reduce the county government’s own emissions.
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