What Homeboy Recycling does

Homeboy Recycling is a California-based, certified electronics recycling and IT Asset Disposition (ITAD) provider founded in 2011 (originally as Isidore Electronics Recycling) and integrated into the Homeboy Industries family of social enterprises in 2016. The company is headquartered in Downtown Los Angeles with warehouse operations in South Gate, CA, and delivers nationwide service through commercial pickups, mail-in recycling kits, community dropoff locations, and collection events. Its core technical capability rests on R2v3-certified demanufacturing, NIST SP 800-88-R1 compliant data destruction (wiping, degaussing, and shredding with serialized chain-of-custody reporting), and a multi-channel refurbished electronics resale operation. The company holds a comprehensive certification stack including ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, NAID AAA, and B Corp, with $10M in cyber liability coverage.

The business operates a hybrid revenue model combining quote-based ITAD professional services, electronics recycling fees for items lacking recoverable value, refurbished hardware sales (warranted and data-wiped) through eBay and its own Shopify-powered store, and onsite hard drive shredding at customer facilities. It serves six primary verticals, Defense, Financial Services, Government, Healthcare, Manufacturers/OEMs, and Media & Entertainment, with named enterprise customers including HP Inc., EVgo, John Paul Mitchell Systems, Nimble, InfinityLab by Harman, and Guess. Pricing is quote-based; computers, smartphones, tablets, and servers are typically accepted at no charge due to residual value, while most other e-waste incurs processing fees. Labor represents over 60% of total expenses, and the company processed nearly 5 million pounds of electronics in 2023 across residential, municipal, and corporate customers.

As a social purpose corporation and subsidiary of Homeboy Industries (a 501(c)(3) nonprofit gang rehabilitation and re-entry program founded by Father Greg Boyle), Homeboy Recycling's distinctive positioning combines ESG-aligned workforce development (employing people facing systemic barriers after incarceration) with regulatory-grade ITAD services. The company has expanded its resale footprint from one to five online channels since January 2024, doubling affordable technology sales, and in December 2024 entered the textile sector through a national in-store recycling partnership with Guess routed through its sister social enterprise Homeboy Threads. It is also a co-founder of Impact Recyclers, a coalition of R2/e-Stewards-certified social enterprise electronics recyclers.

Name

Homeboy Recycling

Legal name

Homeboy Recycling

Website

https://homeboyrecycling.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2011

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Homeboy Recycling is a California-based certified ITAD and electronics recycling social enterprise serving defense, financial services, government, healthcare, OEM, and media clients nationwide, and a subsidiary of Homeboy Industries' gang rehabilitation program. It combines R2v3-certified demanufacturing, NIST-compliant data destruction, refurbished hardware resale, and workforce development for formerly incarcerated individuals.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Electronics Recycling and IT Asset Disposition (ITAD)

NAICS

Materials Recovery Facilities (562920), Electronic and Precision Equipment Repair and Maintenance (81121), Personal and Household Goods Repair and Maintenance (8114)

SIC

Services-Miscellaneous Repair Services (7600)

akta.pro primary industry

E-Waste (WEEE) Collection, Refurbishment & Recycling (IMAIAFAH)

akta.pro secondary industries

Enterprise Hardware Recycling (Servers, Storage, Networking) (BPALAIAI), Electronics Refurbishment, Repair & Reuse (Remarketing/Resale) (BPALAIAD), Electronics Recycling & Material Recovery (Dismantling/Separation) (BPALAIAE), Consumer Electronics Recycling (TVs, AV, Small Electronics) (BPALAIAH)

Keywords

• Electronics recycling services
• IT asset disposition
• Data destruction
• Refurbished electronics resale
• Certified e-waste recycling

Headquarters

HQ city

Commerce

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices4 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain, Others

Revenue model

1. IT Asset Disposition (ITAD): Comprehensive end-of-life IT asset management including pickup, processing, and responsible recycling. Services include remarketing devices that can continue to work, focusing on maximum traceability and value recovery.
2. Electronics Recycling Fees: Charges for processing e-waste that exceeds recoverable value. Computers, smartphones, tablets, and servers are typically accepted at no charge due to residual value. Other e-waste items require fees due to processing costs, labor, and hazardous materials handling.
3. Refurbished Electronics Resale: Refurbished laptops, tablets, desktops, smartphones, and audio-visual equipment sold through eBay store, own online store (shop.homeboyrecycling.com), and wholesale channels. Devices include warranties and are data-wiped with certification.
4. Data Destruction Services: Onsite and offsite hard drive wiping, degaussing, and shredding services. Onsite hard drive shredding processes over 1,000 units daily with Serialized Certificate of Data Destruction provided.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels7 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Homeboy Recycling demanufactures end-of-life electronics to recover metals, plastics, and other materials, and provides IT Asset Disposition (ITAD) with refurbishment and remarketing of devices that can continue to work. Services are delivered through pickup, mail-in kits, community drop-off, collection events, and on-site hard drive shredding, accompanied by NIST SP 800-88-compliant data destruction (wiping, degaussing, and shredding). Refurbished electronics are resold via five online channels including eBay and shop.homeboyrecycling.com.

Product overview

Homeboy Electronics Recycling is a social enterprise offering a comprehensive suite of electronics recycling and IT Asset Disposition (ITAD) services. The core offering centers on certified electronics recycling (R2 Certified), ITAD with refurbishment and remarketing, and data security/destruction services. These core services are delivered through multiple channels including pickup services, mail-in kits, community dropoffs, and collection events. The company operates a resale platform selling refurbished electronics through multiple ecommerce channels including eBay and their own online store (shop.homeboyrecycling.com). Additional services include device repair, decommissioning/relocation, surplus liquidation, and recall management. Industry-specific solutions serve Defense, Financial Services, Government, Healthcare, Manufacturers (OEM), and Media & Entertainment sectors. The company also extends into textile/apparel recycling through its affiliated brand Homeboy Threads, and operates a Give Tech mail-in donation program for refurbished technology distribution to underserved communities.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Certified Recycling R2v3-certified demanufacturing of end-of-life electronics (computers, smartphones, tablets, servers, and other data-bearing devices), recovering metals, plastics, and other materials for compliance-driven enterprise and consumer customers.
• IT Asset Disposition (ITAD) Comprehensive ITAD service for enterprise customers including pickup, processing, refurbishment, remarketing, and certified recycling of end-of-life IT assets, focused on maximum traceability and value recovery.
• Data Security / Data Destruction Certified data destruction services including hard drive wiping, degaussing, and shredding, conforming to NIST SP 800-88-R1 guidelines, available at the company facility or customer site.
• Onsite Hard Drive Shredding Mobile hard drive shredding performed at customer facilities, processing over 1,000 units daily and providing a Serialized Certificate of Data Destruction, designed for highly regulated industries.
• Pickup Service Commercial pickup service for e-waste and IT assets from businesses and organizations across the U.S.
• Mail-In Electronics Recycling Kits No-contact mailback recycling kits enabling individuals and small businesses outside Southern California to send electronics for responsible, certified recycling.
• Community Dropoff Designated community drop-off locations where residential customers in the Los Angeles area can drop off electronics in a drive-through, no-cash format.
• Collection Events Managed collection event services for businesses, organizations, and communities to host e-waste recycling drives such as America Recycles Day.
• Remarketing / Refurbished Electronics Resale Sale of refurbished electronics (laptops, tablets, smartphones, desktops, AV equipment) tested, data-wiped, and warrantied, sold through five online resale channels including eBay and shop.homeboyrecycling.com.
• Device Repair Out-of-warranty electronic device repair services designed to maximize technology utilization.
• Recall & Return Management Project management service for electronics product recalls and returns, including secure handling, processing, and documentation.
• Decommissioning & Relocation IT infrastructure decommissioning and relocation services for businesses moving offices, retiring data centers, or consolidating sites.
• Surplus & Liquidation Service to monetize surplus equipment and inventory through liquidation channels, recovering residual value for the asset owner.
• Prop & Material Rental Rental service for props and materials related to electronics and IT assets, primarily serving media and entertainment clients.
• Give Tech Mail-In Donation Program Free mail-in program accepting gently used computers and mobile devices; devices are securely wiped, tested, refurbished, and resold with proceeds supporting Homeboy Industries workforce development.
• Homeboy Threads (Apparel Recycling) Sister social-enterprise program that sorts and processes donated clothing and apparel for repair, resale, upcycling, or recycling, employing people re-entering the workforce.
• Online Store (Refurbished Electronics) Shopify-powered online storefront selling refurbished electronics (laptops, iPads, AV equipment) from brands including Apple, HP, Dell, Lenovo, and Harman Kardon, with warranty and data-wiped certification.

Quantifiable outcome

• Creates 1 job for every 100,000 pounds of electronics collected
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers11 records

Segments8 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration4 records

Feature3 records

Partnerships

15 partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core and minor.

• GuessflagshipGTM or Marketing Partner · 18 December 2024National in-store recycling program launched December 2024 allowing Guess customers at all U.S. stores to bring 5+ clothing items of any brand for 15% discount. Homeboy Recycling sorts and processes items for repair, resale, upcycling, or recycling. Marks Homeboy's entry into textile and apparel sector.
• HP Inc.coreGTM or Marketing PartnerHP uses Homeboy for hardware recycling supporting their pioneering closed-loop recycling system. HP Inc. has praised Homeboy's operation and social mission as added benefit to their Corporate and Social Responsibility initiatives.
• NimblecoreGTM or Marketing PartnerPartnership for Nimble's One-for-One Tech Recovery Project mail-in recycling program. Discovered through B Corp directory. Has successfully recycled over 36,000 pounds of e-waste and plastic phone cases. Homeboy provides certified e-waste recycling for Nimble's nationwide drop-off program.
• EVgocoreGTM or Marketing PartnerEVgo sends retired charging stations to Homeboy for part harvesting, recycling, and waste reduction. Partnership enables EVgo to securely and ethically recycle EVSE and increase sustainability efforts. In 2022, partnership reduced 261,004 lbs of greenhouse gas emissions.
• John Paul Mitchell Systems (Paul Mitchell)coreGTM or Marketing PartnerPaul Mitchell partners with Homeboy for e-waste recycling of electronic office waste and salon equipment including hair dryers and curling irons. Supports Paul Mitchell's Regenerative Roots sustainability program to leave ecosystems and communities better than found.
• InfinityLab by Harman InternationalminorGTM or Marketing PartnerInfinityLab partnered with Homeboy for mail-in recycling program encouraging customers to responsibly dispose of unwanted electronics. InfinityLab creates reliable and sustainable products with convenient recycling options.
• Green Beauty CommunityminorGTM or Marketing PartnerGreen Beauty Community joined as partner in 2023. Platform dedicated to connecting individuals and brands passionate about sustainable beauty.
• WeTransferminorGTM or Marketing PartnerWeTransfer joined as partner in 2023. Company offering productivity tools while making positive impact on the planet.
• Los Angeles Academy of Arts and Enterprise (LAAAE)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerLAAAE donated 500+ laptops to Homeboy for processing, supporting digital equity and environmental sustainability initiatives in Los Angeles.
• City of PalmdaleminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCity of Palmdale distributes free refurbished laptops from Homeboy to eligible SAVES clients during special events, supporting digital access and equity in the community.
• The California EndowmentminorGTM or Marketing PartnerThe California Endowment supports healthy communities where youth and adults thrive. Listed as long-term partner supporting community wellness and development.
• WinixminorGTM or Marketing PartnerWinix develops healthy home appliances for clean air and water. Listed as long-term partner.
• Impact RecyclerscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHomeboy is co-founder of Impact Recyclers, a group of social enterprise certified electronics recyclers with mission of employing people facing significant barriers to work. All members are licensed, insured, and R2 or e-Stewards certified.
• Homeboy ThreadscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSister social enterprise of Homeboy Industries focused on clothing/textile recycling. Homeboy Recycling processes textile items through this sister entity. Shared mission of providing second chances and creating economic opportunities.
• Homeboy IndustriesflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerHomeboy Recycling is a social enterprise of Homeboy Industries, the world's preeminent gang rehabilitation and re-entry program. Founded in 2011 as Isidore Electronics Recycling, joined Homeboy Industries family in 2016.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• BlueStar Recycling: R2-certified electronics recycler and ITAD provider serving enterprise customers with refurbishment and remarketing. Direct competitor for compliance-driven ITAD and refurbishment contracts.
• CompuCycle: Certified ITAD and e-waste recycler with focus on enterprise customers and secure data destruction. Comparable service portfolio and customer profile to Homeboy Recycling.
• Electronic Recyclers International (ERI): One of the largest US e-waste recyclers offering ITAD, data destruction, and demanufacturing at multi-state scale. Directly comparable to Homeboy's core ITAD and certified recycling offering, with substantially larger geographic footprint.
• AnythingIT: Certified ITAD and e-waste recycling provider serving enterprise and government clients with data destruction and refurbishment services. Direct competitor for compliance-focused ITAD contracts.
• HOBI International: R2-certified ITAD provider offering enterprise electronics recycling, refurbishment, and remarketing. Direct peer for ITAD services targeting regulated verticals.
• Cascade Asset Management: Certified ITAD and electronics recycling company serving enterprise and regulated customers nationwide. Closely comparable to Homeboy in service scope (ITAD, data destruction, refurbishment/resale) and target verticals.

Emerging players

• 4th Bin: Certified electronics recycling and ITAD company focused on enterprise customers with secure data destruction. Comparable service mix at smaller scale than national incumbents.
• R2-certified regional social enterprise recyclers (e.g., eForce Compliance): Smaller R2-certified ITAD providers operating in specific US regions that compete with Homeboy for enterprise and municipal contracts where scale and certification parity matter.

Broad incumbents

• Sims Lifecycle Services: Global ITAD provider within Sims Metal Management, offering enterprise-scale electronics recycling, data destruction, and remarketing. Comparable services at much larger scale; competes for the same Fortune 500 ITAD RFPs.
• Waste Management Recycle America: Recycling arm of Waste Management, offering electronics recycling and ITAD as part of a broader waste services portfolio. Competes for enterprise e-waste volumes, though ITAD is not its primary focus.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/HomeboyRecycles
• Facebookfacebook.com/HomeboyRecycling
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/homeboy-recycling
• Instagraminstagram.com/homeboyrecycling

Compliance8 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles16 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds2 records

Investors2 records

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Homeboy Recycling