E-Waste Disposal Made Easy for Big Bear Lake Residents
Almost every home in Big Bear Lake has that one drawer. It’s full of old phones, tangled chargers, and remotes for TVs that are long gone. There’s probably a broken printer in the garage and a monitor that hasn’t been used in years.
None of these items should go in your trash cart, and that’s not just a suggestion. In California, electronics are considered universal waste and can’t legally be thrown away. Materials like lead, mercury, and cadmium can harm the environment in a landfill, but they’re valuable when recovered and reused.
Fortunately, recycling them is easier than you might think.
Where it goes
You can drop off electronics and appliances for recycling at Big Bear Disposal, Inc., located at 41970 Garstin Drive. The Clean Bear Site is open daily from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. for 92315 residents with proof of address.
What is Accepted
The list of accepted items is longer than you might expect: televisions, VCRs, computers, printers, monitors, cell phones, telephones, radios, stereos, speakers, microwave ovens, clothes irons, space heaters, household and car batteries, fluorescent tubes and bulbs, thermometers, thermostats, scrap metal, and appliances from residents.
And one that surprises everyone: greeting cards that play music contain a battery, and they count too.
What is Not Accepted
Some items need to go elsewhere. Paint, varnishes, and stains should be taken to the Hazardous Waste Management Center at 42040 Garstin Drive, which is open on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., weather permitting. This site also accepts household cleaners, solvents, fertilizers, pesticides, and sharps.
The drop-off service is for residents only. If you have business-generated materials, please call us at (909) 866-3942 to discuss your options.
The Bigger Picture
Recycling electronics helps recover metals that would otherwise need to be mined and keeps toxic materials out of our soil and water. In our valley, where rare habitats exist, this makes a real difference.
So this fall, take a few minutes to empty that drawer. It’s a quick, free errand, and you’ll know everything is being handled the right way.
Questions? Call (909) 866-3942 or visit bigbeardisposal.com.
