What Are Covered Electronic Devices (CEDs) and How Should You Recycle Them?

You’ve finally upgraded your home office — new monitor, faster computer, wireless printer. But now you’re left staring at a pile of old electronics. They still work (mostly), but you don’t need them. Tossing them in the bin doesn’t feel right, and you’re not sure if the curbside recycling will even take them.

Sound familiar?

Those items could fall under a category called covered electronic devices (CEDs). It’s a category of electronics that has specific recycling rules in many states, and ignoring those rules could mean environmental damage or even fines in some areas. But what makes them “covered”? And why does it matter how they’re recycled?

The answers are more important than most people think. We don’t know how our everyday tech habits impact the environment. So, it’s worth taking a minute to understand CEDs and how to get rid of them properly.

Covered Electronic Devices (CEDs)

Covered Electronic Devices, often shortened to CEDs, are a specific category of electronic products that you can’t toss in the trash when you’re done with them. Why? Because they contain toxic materials that can be hazardous to the environment if they end up in landfills.

Under the California code of regulations, a CED is any video display device with a screen larger than four inches diagonally. It’s basically any screen you can’t slip into your pocket. And once it’s no longer usable or wanted, it becomes what’s known as universal waste, which means you’re legally required to dispose of it through proper recycling channels.

What Counts as a Video Display Device?

You probably use video display devices every day, such as TVs, laptops, tablets, and even digital photo frames. Legally speaking, a video display device is any electronic product with a screen that displays fast-moving images or sequences to create the illusion of motion—basically, anything that can show video.

These devices can be built with different kinds of display technologies.

Here’s a quick rundown:

Covered Electronic Devices: Included vs. Not Included

Not all types of electronic waste come under the CED category. Here’s a more practical list of common devices that are classified as CEDs — and therefore, can’t be tossed in the trash:

Common CEDs You Need to Recycle Properly

• TVs with CRT, LCD, Plasma, or OLED screens
• Computer monitors (old CRTs or modern LCDs)
• Laptops with LCD or OLED screens
• Desktop monitors with any of the above technologies
• Tablets and smart displays
• Portable DVD players with built-in LCD screens

If your device has a screen and it fits the size requirement, chances are it’s on the list. Even newer devices like OLED tablets and smart displays count.

What’s Not Considered a CED

Not every electronic item with a screen falls under this law. For example, smartphones, cameras, or handheld gaming devices may be excluded, depending on the state and specific regulations.

Screenless devices, such as desktop towers, printers, and routers, as well as some common household items like fax machines and microwave ovens, typically aren’t considered CEDs either (though they often still need proper e-waste disposal).

Bottom line: if it’s got a screen larger than four inches and it shows video, you should double-check whether it falls under the covered category before tossing it.

Ways to Recycle Covered Electronic Devices (CEDs)

So, you’ve figured out that your old TV or monitor qualifies as a Covered Electronic Device, now what? You definitely can’t dump it in your regular trash bin or leave it on the curb for pickup. Thankfully, there are simple and responsible ways to recycle your CEDs without the stress (or the guilt).

Here’s a breakdown of the best options to get your old electronics out of the way and into the right hands:

Drop Off at a Certified E-Waste Recycling Center

One of the most reliable and environmentally responsible options is to take your devices to a certified e-waste recycling facility. These centers specialize in safely dismantling electronics, removing hazardous parts, salvaging usable components, and ensuring nothing toxic ends up in landfills.

Most cities and counties offer dedicated drop-off sites. These centers are equipped to safely break down, recycle, and dispose of LCD monitors, CRTs, plasma screens, OLEDs, and make sure each part is processed appropriately.

If you’re not sure where to go, check your local waste management department for a list of approved locations or keep an eye out for periodic e-waste collection events.

Check Retailer Take-Back Programs

Many major retailers operate recycling programs for covered electronics. Stores that sell large volumes of tech like TVs, monitors, and laptops often accept these items for recycling, even if you didn’t purchase them there.

Some programs even offer incentives, like store credit or discounts, if your device still holds any resale value. This is especially helpful if you’re upgrading and want to responsibly offload older equipment without hassle. Just be sure to check ahead of time, as some locations may have restrictions on screen size or the number of items accepted per visit.

Use City Bulk Pickup Services

If your community offers scheduled bulk pickup for electronic waste, that’s another convenient way to get rid of larger or multiple devices. You’ll typically need to schedule the bulk e-waste pickup service in advance, separate the CEDs from other waste, and possibly label them clearly for collection.

This option works well for residents without a nearby drop-off facility or for those unable to transport heavy items themselves. However, keep in mind that pickup availability and rules can vary depending on your city or county.

Consider Manufacturer Take-Back Programs

Tech manufacturers like Dell, HP, Apple, and Samsung offer take-back or mail-in recycling services for many of their devices, including TVs, laptops, and tablets, as an initiative to take responsibility for the devices they put into the world. You just have to provide some basic information about your device, and they’ll either direct you to a local partner or send you prepaid shipping materials to return it.

Not only does this simplify the process, but it also affects how EPR is changing the future of recycling. This growing effort holds manufacturers accountable for the full lifecycle of their products. It’s a smart way to ensure your CED is handled by the people who know how to dismantle it properly.

Partner with a Certified E-Waste Recycler

If you’re a small business managing waste or run a commercial property, chances are you’ve got more than one device to dispose of. Partnering with a certified e-waste recycler ensures large volumes of covered electronic devices are handled legally, safely, and in compliance with state and federal laws.

These recyclers can often assess your inventory, help you determine resale value where possible, and provide documentation proving that the waste was properly handled. This clears out tech clutter and digital hoarding and protects your business from fines, data breaches, and reputational damage tied to non-compliance.

How to Prepare Your Covered Devices for Recycling

Most likely, you’ve identified your device and ways to recycle your electronics; now comes the part where you prepare them responsibly.

Before you haul your old screen-heavy electronics to a drop-off center or schedule a pickup, take a few minutes to prep them. Recycling covered electronic devices makes sure they’re safe to handle, data-free, and ready for processing. Here’s a quick checklist to guide you:

Wipe All Personal Data

Whether it’s a tablet, laptop, or smart display, chances are it holds sensitive data (photos, passwords, maybe even payment info). Perform a factory reset and remove any accounts like iCloud or Google linked to the device. You may also consider professional data destruction if your devices store highly valuable data.

Remove Batteries (If Possible)

Lithium-ion batteries can be hazardous if not handled properly during recycling. If your device has a removable battery, take it out and recycle it separately through a certified battery disposal program.

Unplug Accessories and Cables

Remove any USB cables, chargers, styluses, SD cards, or external accessories. Not only does this help the recycling process go smoother, but you might even reuse or donate those extras.

Label Non-Working Devices

If your device is completely non-functional, adding a small “Not Working” label helps sorters at the facility handle it properly. It’s a small step, but it saves time and improves efficiency.

Package Items Neatly

If you’re dropping off multiple devices at once, keep cords organized and devices securely packed. This is safer for transport and respectful to the people managing the recycling.

The Future of E-Waste Legislation

E-waste laws are evolving—and fast. As the volume of discarded electronics continues to climb, so does the pressure on governments, tech companies, and consumers to do better. So, what’s on the horizon?

One growing trend is the push for national-level recycling mandates. Right now, e-waste laws vary wildly by state, creating confusion and loopholes. But many experts agree: we need a unified federal standard that holds everyone to the same level of accountability, whether you’re in Oregon or Florida.

Another big shift is around Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), transforming how electronics are designed and recycled. Already, over 30 US states have introduced some form of it. These laws make manufacturers responsible for the full lifecycle of their products from sale to recycling. That means the folks who design our TVs and laptops will also ensure they’re recycled safely to reduce waste and encourage more eco-friendly designs.

Modular phones, transparent material labels, and repairable parts all help prevent devices from ending up in dusty corners of our homes. By 2025, experts estimate that 80% of developed countries will have strong EPR-based rules mandating such product redesigns.

Around the world, especially in the EU, Canada, and parts of Asia, e-waste regulations are aligning, which directly affects how different countries handle e-waste. Many countries have adopted laws like the EU’s WEEE Directive, and China’s move to ban e-waste imports has reshaped global recycling flows. The ripple effect? US companies shipping tech internationally must now consider compliance far beyond domestic borders.

The Bottom Line

Very soon, responsible recycling won’t be a “good practice,” it’ll be a must.

No matter which route you take, the key is to treat CEDs the right way. They are recyclable assets packed with reusable materials, but also harmful when handled inappropriately. Choose a safe recycling method to contribute to a cleaner and more sustainable environment.