Qualified vs. Courtesy Items — What to Include in Your E-Waste Pickup

When scheduling an e-waste pickup, many businesses are surprised to learn there’s a difference between qualified and courtesy items. Understanding this distinction ensures your experience with Elian Electronics Recycling is smooth, efficient, and free of unexpected charges.

Whether it’s your first pickup or your tenth, here’s everything you need to know to prepare confidently.

✅ What Are Qualified Items?

Qualified items are the core electronics that count toward the 10-item minimum required for a free business pickup. These devices typically contain recyclable materials and/or sensitive data and are central to secure, compliant electronics disposal.

Examples of qualified items include:

• Desktop computers and laptops

• Servers, CPUs, and workstations

• LCD and LED monitors

• Networking gear (routers, switches, modems)

• External storage devices and hard drives

• VoIP systems and office phones

• Standard-size printers and copiers

These are the items that drive our secure, environmentally responsible recycling process—and support your compliance and data protection goals.

What Are Courtesy Items?

Courtesy items are smaller accessories and peripherals we’re happy to take at no additional charge, but they do not count toward the 10-item minimum for free pickup. These are accepted only when included with a qualifying pickup.

Examples of courtesy items include:

• Keyboards, mice, and cables

• USB drives, power adapters, phone chargers

• Webcams and computer accessories

• Ink or toner cartridges

• Small battery backups and surge protectors

• Speakers and basic peripherals

Think of them as the bonus items we’ll collect once the qualified devices are accounted for.

⚠️ Why This Distinction Matters

Knowing the difference between qualified and courtesy items helps you:

• Avoid service delays – Prevent rescheduling by ensuring the right mix

• Maximize your free pickup – Plan around the 10 qualified item minimum

• Stay compliant – Ensure data-bearing devices are documented and destroyed

• Save time on-site – Help our team verify and load more efficiently

📌 Note: If your request includes only courtesy items, a service fee may apply, or we may suggest bundling with a future qualified pickup.

How to Prepare for a Successful Pickup

• Create an itemized inventory List your devices and note which are qualified vs. courtesy. We’re happy to review it with you in advance.

• Group items by type Keep computers, monitors, and larger devices separated from smaller accessories to streamline handling.

• Ask us if you're unsure Not sure how to categorize something? Our team is always ready to help you plan the most efficient, cost-effective pickup possible.

Ready to Schedule?

Whether you're clearing out a storage room, upgrading office hardware, or decommissioning devices across multiple locations, we make electronics recycling simple.

Schedule your free pickup Or contact us to confirm your items and plan your next pickup with confidence.

Let Elian Electronics Recycling handle your e-waste the right way.