AURORA — The city will stage a free electronics recycling drive‑thru on Saturday, Aug. 22, giving residents a convenient way to dispose of older devices and small household electronics. The event runs from 8 a.m. to noon at the Route 59 Metra station, 1090 N. Route 59, and the city has said it expects more than 2,000 participants.
What residents can bring
City officials described the drive‑thru as a safe and efficient option for diverting electronics from landfills and keeping potentially hazardous components out of the waste stream. The program accepts a broad range of electronics and small appliances.
- Computing and office equipment: keyboards, laptops, printers, copiers, print cartridges and cash registers.
- Home electronics and entertainment: DVD players, stereos, radios, VCRs, video game consoles and cameras.
- Telecommunications and accessories: cell phones, landline phones, cables and cords, cable boxes and satellite dishes.
- Small household appliances: blenders, coffee makers, irons, mixers, vacuums (without bags), fans and holiday lights.
- Other: projectors, printers, keyboards, typewriters and remote controls.
The city noted that each vehicle may bring an unlimited number of items, but is limited to two screens per vehicle — that includes televisions and computer monitors.
Logistics and what to expect
Organizers are planning the event as a drive‑thru to keep the flow moving and to reduce handling time for participants. City staff and volunteers typically assist with unloading items from vehicle trunks and directing traffic. Given the expected turnout, Aurora residents should plan for possible lines and arrive early in the event window.
| When | Where | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Saturday, Aug. 22 | Route 59 Metra station, 1090 N. Route 59 | 8 a.m. – noon |
“This serves as one of the most popular events of the year here in Aurora,” said Josh Alcaraz, director of property standards. “We appreciate being able to provide this service to the community and look forward to helping all residents safely dispose of older electronics, helping to sustain our environment.”
That message underscores the city’s environmental goals. Electronics can contain materials such as lead, mercury and other heavy metals that require special handling. Proper recycling keeps those materials out of landfills and recovers valuable components for reuse.
Preparation and safety tips
Residents planning to attend should take a few steps to streamline the process and protect personal information:
- Back up and then wipe or remove storage media from devices when possible. For phones and laptops, sign out of accounts and perform a factory reset if you are able.
- Keep cables and small accessories together in clearly marked bags or containers to avoid loss on site.
- Securely package fragile items and consider removing screens from large boxes for easier handling.
- Arrive early in the four‑hour window to avoid the busiest period; anticipate waits if turnout reaches projected levels.
The city’s recycling drive is one of several public services intended to reduce waste and encourage responsible disposal of electronics. While the list of accepted items is extensive, organizers have said there are items they will not accept; residents should check city communications or the official Aurora website for any updates or restrictions before arriving.
For Aurora households, the event offers a no‑cost opportunity to clear out old devices and appliances that are no longer used or that may present storage or safety concerns. With large participation expected, city officials are encouraging patience and preparedness to help the event run smoothly.
