Published on Wednesday, October 8, 2025
By the A.M. Costa Rica staff

The  Ministry of Public Health has launched a nationwide campaign to collect and properly dispose of electronic waste, or e-waste.


The initiative, known as the RAEE Program, focuses on gathering discarded electronic devices such as monitors, computer screens, small household appliances, audio equipment, video cameras, gaming consoles, power tools, modems, telephones, and printers, among other items.


According to the ministry, e-waste requires specialized treatment because it contains toxic and hazardous materials that pose risks to both human health and the environment.

Citizens who wish to participate can consult an interactive map available on the ministry’s website to find official drop-off locations across the country. Collection centers operate in every province, typically from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., and several are also open on weekends. Volunteers from the program will assist with the safe handling and sorting of collected materials.

Each year, Costa Rica gathers roughly 70 tons of e-waste, the ministry reports. However, only about 8% of that total is recycled, while the remaining 92% ends up in regular trash streams.

Authorities say it remains difficult to determine how much e-waste is properly processed versus how much is dumped in landfills or waterways, actions that can harm ecosystems and public health.

The Ministry of Public Health is the government agency responsible for overseeing and regulating public and private healthcare services in Costa Rica.

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