Plan Your Berks County Electronics Drop-Off Before You Load the Car
The Berks County Solid Waste Authority operates a dedicated electronic recycling service at 1316 Hilltop Road, Leesport, PA 19533. The current county page lists electronics hours as Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 8:00 AM to noon and states that the service is free to Berks County residents.
The most important local rule is procedural: remain in your vehicle and load electronics in the trunk of your car or bed of your pickup before arriving. Large loads, businesses, batteries, bulbs, televisions and unusual equipment need a closer rules check before the trip.
Quick answer: can Berks County residents recycle electronics here for free?
Yes. The Berks County Solid Waste Authority currently states that electronics recycling at 1316 Hilltop Road is free to Berks County residents. The county lists the electronic recycling center as open Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 8:00 AM until noon.
The county also instructs all visitors to remain in their vehicles and to place electronics in the trunk or pickup bed before arriving. Do not confuse these staffed electronics hours with the longer hours shown for general recycling at the same Hilltop Road property.
Important: the general recycling site and electronic recycling hours are different
The county’s main Solid Waste Authority page lists the general recycling center at Hilltop Road as open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. That does not mean electronics are accepted during all of those hours.
For electronics, use the separately listed schedule: Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, 8:00 AM to noon.
On this page
Berks County Electronic Recycling Center Quick Facts
| Detail | Current verified information |
|---|---|
| Official operator | Berks County Solid Waste Authority |
| Location | 1316 Hilltop Road, Leesport, PA 19533, in Bern Township |
| Electronic recycling hours | Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, 8:00 AM–Noon |
| Residential cost | Free to Berks County residents |
| Vehicle procedure | Remain in your vehicle while on site |
| Loading instruction | Place electronics in the trunk of the car or bed of a pickup truck |
| Phone | 610-478-6362 |
| Large or commercial load | Call first; commercial and institutional service is handled differently |
Hours: When to Visit the Electronics Center
The current county schedule for electronics is straightforward: Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 8:00 AM to noon. The electronics service is not listed as a daily 8-to-5 drop-off.
Monday
No regular electronics drop-off hours listed.
Tuesday
8:00 AM–Noon.
Wednesday
No regular electronics drop-off hours listed.
Thursday
8:00 AM–Noon.
Friday
No regular electronics drop-off hours listed.
Saturday
8:00 AM–Noon.
Sunday
No regular electronics drop-off hours listed.
Holiday visit
Verify with the Authority before loading electronics if your trip falls near a county holiday or service interruption.
Arrive with enough time to complete the drop-off
Do not plan a noon arrival with a large load. Staff still need to identify and unload the material, and item limits or unusual equipment can require clarification.
Electronics and Related Items Listed by Berks County
The county’s electronic-recycling brochure lists a broader range of material than only computers and televisions. The exact list should still be checked before a large or unusual load because the linked detailed brochure is dated 2025.
Vehicle and Television Limits
The detailed brochure currently linked from the county Solid Waste Authority page is dated 2025. It lists a maximum of 10 accepted items per vehicle, with no exceptions.
Televisions have a tighter limit: the brochure lists a maximum of two TVs per resident or vehicle per day.
| Load type | Linked county brochure rule | Planning advice |
|---|---|---|
| Normal electronics load | Maximum 10 items per vehicle | Count items before loading the car. |
| Televisions | Maximum two per resident/vehicle/day | Do not arrive with three or more TVs expecting an exception. |
| Large mixed load | 10-item rule still applies to the listed residential program | Call before driving if item counting is unclear. |
Why the brochure date matters
The county’s main page is current in 2026, but the detailed downloadable electronics brochure it links is labeled 2025. The limits above come from that linked brochure. Call the Authority before a large load if you need confirmation that the detailed limits have not changed.
How the Berks County Drive-Up Electronics Drop-Off Works
This is not a self-service unloading setup. The county specifically tells visitors to remain in their vehicles while on site.
Count and identify your items at home
Know how many electronics you have and separate televisions, batteries, fluorescent bulbs and unusual appliances so staff can identify them quickly.
Put electronics in the trunk or pickup bed
Follow the county instruction before arriving. Avoid placing heavy televisions or electronics where staff would need to reach through the passenger compartment.
Drive to 1316 Hilltop Road during electronics hours
Use Tuesday, Thursday or Saturday between 8:00 AM and noon rather than the longer general-recycling hours.
Remain inside the vehicle
Follow traffic-control signs and staff directions. The county’s published procedure says visitors must remain in their vehicles while on site.
Let staff handle unloading
Have the load arranged so electronics are accessible from the trunk or pickup bed without moving personal belongings.
Ask before adding anything uncertain
If an item is damaged, leaking, unusually large, from a business or not clearly on the accepted list, tell staff instead of leaving it without approval.
Berks County Resident Rules and Free Drop-Off
The current official county page describes the electronic recycling program as free to Berks County residents. Pennsylvania DEP’s 2026 electronics collection listing also identifies the ongoing Berks County program as resident-only.
Residential electronics
The county’s current page confirms free electronics recycling for Berks County residents.
Residency questions
If your driver’s license, mailing address or property situation makes residency unclear, call 610-478-6362 before driving.
Not a general public dump
The resident electronics program should not be treated as an unrestricted disposal service for out-of-county or commercial loads.
Commercial and Institutional Electronics: Appointment Rules
Businesses and institutions should not arrive under the residential rules. The county’s linked 2025 brochure lists commercial and institutional service as by appointment only.
| Commercial material | 2025 county brochure | 2026 planning step |
|---|---|---|
| General electronic items | $1 per item | Call to confirm current rate and schedule an appointment. |
| Fluorescent tubes, CFLs and rechargeable batteries | $1.50 per pound | Confirm current weight-based fee before transport. |
| Air conditioners and dehumidifiers | Listed as free | Confirm appointment and current acceptance. |
| Televisions and monitors | Not accepted from businesses | Use another approved commercial electronics route. |
Do not use the residential free-drop-off rule for a business load
Call 610-478-6362 before loading commercial or institutional electronics. The detailed rates above are from the county’s linked 2025 brochure and should be reconfirmed for a 2026 appointment.
Batteries, Fluorescent Bulbs, Air Conditioners and Dehumidifiers
These items appear on the county electronics brochure, but each needs slightly different preparation than a laptop or printer.
Rechargeable and lead-acid batteries
The county brochure lists rechargeable and lead-acid batteries. Keep batteries separate from loose electronics so staff can identify the battery type.
Alkaline batteries
The brochure specifically says no alkaline batteries accepted. Do not add household alkaline batteries to an electronics load simply because the center accepts other battery types.
Fluorescent tubes and CFLs
Protect bulbs from breakage during transport. Keep long tubes stable rather than placing heavy computers or televisions on top of them.
Air conditioners and dehumidifiers
These units are listed by the county. Load them upright where possible and do not damage refrigerant lines while transporting them.
For other battery types, use the site’s battery recycling guide before assuming the Berks County electronics site is the right destination.
Protect Personal Data Before Recycling Computers and Devices
The county accepts computers and related electronics, but material recycling and personal-data protection are separate tasks. Before surrendering a computer, laptop, phone, drive or other storage device, remove information you still need and reduce unnecessary exposure of personal data.
- Back up documents, photos and files you want to keep.
- Sign out of cloud, email, banking and other accounts.
- Remove SIM cards, SD cards, USB drives and removable storage.
- Use the device manufacturer’s reset or secure-erasure process where appropriate.
- Remove stored browser passwords and account access.
- For sensitive business or regulated data, use a documented data-destruction service rather than assuming ordinary recycling provides certification.
For broader preparation guidance, see the site’s electronic recycling center guide.
Why Electronics Need a Separate Recycling Route in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania’s Covered Device Recycling Act created manufacturer recycling requirements for covered devices including desktop computers, laptops, computer monitors, computer peripherals and televisions.
Pennsylvania DEP maintains a statewide electronics collection-program list because covered electronic devices require appropriate recycling rather than ordinary municipal-waste disposal. DEP also advises residents to contact a collection program before visiting because sites can have residency requirements, registration rules, fees or device restrictions.
Business coverage under Pennsylvania law is not the same as Berks County’s local operating rules
DEP explains that some small businesses with fewer than 50 employees can use collection programs covered by the state act, while larger businesses and public entities have different responsibilities. The Berks County site still controls its own appointment, item and fee rules, so commercial users should contact the Authority directly.
How Much Electronics Recycling Does Berks County Handle?
The Berks County Solid Waste Authority opened the full-time Hilltop Road electronic recycling site in July 2010. Its 2025 annual report shows how heavily residents now use the service.
247,800
Resident visits reported since the center opened in 2010.
18.8M+
Pounds of electronics reported collected since 2010.
19,000
Residents reported using the electronics program during 2025.
1.1M lb
Electronics reported recycled through the program in 2025.
The same annual report says televisions represented 54% of electronics dropped off in 2025, including 29% flat-screen televisions and 25% CRT units. Computer equipment represented another 27%.
Common Berks County Electronics Drop-Off Mistakes
| Problem | Why it happens | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Arriving after noon | General recycling hours are mistaken for electronics hours. | Use Tue/Thu/Sat, 8 AM–Noon for the electronic center. |
| More than 10 items | Household cleanouts are loaded without counting devices. | Count before leaving and call if you need another disposal plan. |
| Three or more televisions | The separate two-TV limit is missed. | Plan another eligible trip or ask the Authority for guidance. |
| Alkaline batteries included | All battery types are assumed to use the same program. | Separate them and use the locally approved alkaline-battery route. |
| Business load arrives without appointment | Residential and commercial rules are confused. | Call 610-478-6362 to arrange commercial or institutional service. |
| Electronics loaded in passenger area | County unloading instructions were not checked. | Place material in the trunk or pickup bed before arrival. |
| Damaged device | Broken screens or batteries may need special handling. | Call first and describe the damage before transporting the device. |
Berks County Electronic Recycling Center Map and Directions
The verified county address is 1316 Hilltop Road, Leesport, PA 19533. The facility is in Bern Township.
If the Berks County Center Cannot Take Your Item
Do not leave unwanted electronics outside the site or place them into general recycling containers. Pennsylvania DEP maintains a current list of electronics collection programs and advises consumers to contact programs before traveling because accepted devices vary.
Another PA collection program
Use Pennsylvania DEP’s county-by-county collection list if you need a different eligible program.
Certified electronics recycler
For sensitive data, business equipment or specialized electronics, a certified recycler may provide more appropriate handling.
Manufacturer or retailer route
Some brands and retailers offer separate take-back programs for computers, phones, printers, batteries or other electronics.
Official Sources for Final Verification
Use the county for local operating details and Pennsylvania DEP for statewide electronics-recycling rules and alternative collection programs.
Official address, electronics hours, resident status and county recycling information. Berks County annual reports
Official program participation and recycling-volume reporting. Pennsylvania DEP electronics recycling
Covered Device Recycling Act and statewide program guidance. 2026 Pennsylvania collection programs
Current county-by-county collection-site and event listings.
Berks County Electronics Recycling FAQs
What are the Berks County Electronic Recycling Center hours?
The Berks County Solid Waste Authority currently lists electronics drop-off hours as Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 8:00 AM to noon at 1316 Hilltop Road in Leesport. Check the county page or call 610-478-6362 before a holiday or unusual trip.
Is electronics recycling free for Berks County residents?
Yes. The current county page states that the electronic recycling center is free to Berks County residents. Commercial and institutional rules are different.
How many electronic items can I bring?
The county brochure currently linked from the Solid Waste Authority page lists a maximum of 10 items per vehicle. Because that detailed brochure is dated 2025, call before a large load if you need confirmation that the limit remains unchanged.
Can I recycle televisions at the Berks County center?
Eligible residents can bring televisions. The county’s linked brochure lists a maximum of two televisions per resident or vehicle per day. Businesses are listed as not eligible to bring TVs or monitors under the commercial rules in that brochure.
Does the center take batteries?
The county brochure lists rechargeable and lead-acid batteries. It specifically says alkaline batteries are not accepted. Keep batteries separated so staff can identify the type.
Do I have to unload the electronics myself?
The county tells visitors to remain in their vehicles while on site and to have electronics in the trunk of the car or bed of the pickup truck before arrival. Follow staff directions when you reach the unloading area.
Can businesses use the Berks County Electronic Recycling Center?
The county’s linked brochure lists commercial and institutional service as by appointment only, with separate fees and restrictions. It also says businesses may not bring televisions or monitors. Call 610-478-6362 to confirm current 2026 rules and rates.
Can I bring fluorescent bulbs?
Yes, fluorescent tubes and CFL bulbs are listed in the county brochure. Protect them from breakage during transport and keep them separate from heavy electronics.
Is the electronics center open every day because the recycling center is open daily?
No. The county lists longer hours for general recycling at the Hilltop Road property, but the dedicated electronics program is listed only Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 8:00 AM to noon.
Is Recycling-Centre.org the official Berks County recycling website?
No. Recycling-Centre.org is an independent information guide. The Berks County Solid Waste Authority is the official source for current hours, accepted items, resident eligibility, commercial appointments and operational changes.
Before-You-Go Checklist
- Confirm you are using the electronics schedule: Tuesday, Thursday or Saturday, 8:00 AM–Noon.
- Count your electronics before leaving home.
- Stay within the linked brochure’s 10-item-per-vehicle limit unless the Authority tells you otherwise.
- Bring no more than two televisions per resident/vehicle/day under the linked brochure rule.
- Put electronics in the trunk or pickup bed before arriving.
- Plan to remain in your vehicle while on site.
- Separate fluorescent bulbs so they are protected from breakage.
- Separate rechargeable and lead-acid batteries.
- Do not include alkaline batteries in the electronics load.
- Back up and erase personal data from computers and storage devices.
- Call first for damaged electronics, unusual equipment or unclear residency.
- Businesses and institutions should make an appointment and confirm current rates before transport.
The Most Important Berks County Rule Is to Use the Electronics Schedule
For a normal Berks County residential electronics drop-off, go to 1316 Hilltop Road in Leesport during the dedicated electronics hours: Tuesday, Thursday or Saturday from 8:00 AM to noon. Count the load, keep TVs within the published limit, place electronics in the trunk or pickup bed, and remain in your vehicle when you arrive.
Call 610-478-6362 before a large, unusual, damaged, commercial or institutional load. The county’s main page is current, while some detailed limits and commercial rates remain published in a 2025 brochure, so confirmation is worthwhile when those details affect your trip.
Independent information guide: Recycling-Centre.org does not operate the Berks County Electronic Recycling Center and is not the Berks County Solid Waste Authority or Pennsylvania DEP. Official county and state sources control final hours, fees, accepted items, residency rules and operational changes.