Solar Panels, which are known as "Photovoltaic module” (PV), means a device consisting of, or containing, one or more electrically connected photovoltaic cells that are designed to convert solar radiation into electrical energy. PV includes integrated components that cannot be separated without breaking the photovoltaic module glass. Examples of integrated components include, but not limited to, protective glass, conductive metal contact, metal framing the photovoltaic cells, housing or pocket holding the photovoltaic cells/modules, and top and back layer. PV are composed of, but are not limited to, monocrystalline silicon, polycrystalline silicon, amorphous silicon, cadmium telluride, copper indium gallium selenide, and gallium indium phosphide/gallium arsenide/gallium, and perovskite. PVs are also commonly referred to as photovoltaic panels or solar panels. Photovoltaic cells that are not electrically connected are managed as PV. 

Discarded, Used and/or Unused Solar Panel (Photovoltaic module) are not accepted at Riverside County Landfills or the County’s Household Hazardous Waste Collection Program.  

California Department of Toxic Substances Control Act (DTSC) maintains a list of companies/entities that accept, handle, treat, and recycle PV Modules.  Below are the links to the companies/entities: 

• This link contains a list of universal waste handlers that currently accept and accumulate PV modules. This list is updated as new information becomes available. 
• This link contains a list of universal waste handlers that currently recycle and treat PV modules. This list is updated as new information becomes available.