How to recycle electronics
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Computers & laptops
Best Buy accepts laptops and desktops at every store free of charge. Apple, Dell, and HP all run free mail-in or in-store take-back. Wipe your drive first. Use Settings > Reset, or DBAN for a full drive erasure.
Phones & tablets
Apple, Samsung, AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile all accept old phones free. Trade-in programs (especially for newer models in working condition) often pay $50-300. Factory-reset first. That wipes the iCloud and Google account links.
Monitors
CRT monitors contain leaded glass. LCD and LED monitors contain mercury backlights. Both are banned from landfill in most states. Best Buy accepts up to 50". Larger sizes need in-home haul-away ($30-50). Free at most county e-waste sites.
Small appliances (microwave, toaster, blender)
Most small kitchen appliances are mostly steel and plastic housing. Many counties accept them in curbside metal recycling. Otherwise drop them at a scrap-metal yard (often pays a few dollars). Remove any batteries first.
Printers, cables, peripherals
Best Buy and Staples accept all printer types, plus most peripherals (keyboards, mice, USB cables). Staples also recycles ink cartridges for free.
Step-by-step
- 1. Back up and wipe. Computers, phones, tablets, and smart TVs store personal data. Factory-reset before handoff.
- 2. Remove batteries if user-removable. Drop them separately at Call2Recycle or HHW.
- 3. Bundle small items. Cables, chargers, and small peripherals can go in one bag for drop-off.
- 4. Pick a recycler. Best Buy and Staples are convenient. County e-waste handles bulk. Use a certified e-Stewards or R2 recycler when compliance matters.
- 5. Look up your local option. Try /check with your ZIP for the verified sites and their hours.
Frequently asked
Where can I recycle electronics for free?
Best Buy accepts most electronics (laptops, phones, monitors up to 50", small appliances) free at every store. Staples accepts small electronics. County e-waste sites are usually free. Apple, Samsung, Dell, and HP run free manufacturer take-back for their branded devices.
Should I wipe my computer before recycling?
Yes. Most certified recyclers (e-Stewards, R2) will wipe drives as part of intake, but you should still factory-reset or run DBAN for sensitive data. Do not rely on the recycler. Wipe it yourself first.
Is electronics recycling required by law?
In 25+ U.S. states, yes. That includes CA, CO, CT, IL, IN, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, NC, NJ, NY, OR, PA, RI, SC, TX, UT, VA, VT, WA, and WI. Other states allow trashing, but the safer option is always recycling.
What's the difference between e-Stewards and R2 certification?
Both certify electronics recyclers as compliant with US environmental and worker-safety law. e-Stewards is stricter on export bans (no e-waste to developing countries). R2 is the global ISO-equivalent. Either is trustworthy for residential recycling.
Can I get paid for old electronics?
Sometimes. Trade-in programs (Apple, Samsung, Best Buy) pay for working phones, tablets, and laptops, usually $50-300 for recent models in good condition. Decluttr and Gazelle buy used electronics too. Older or broken devices will not pay out, but free recycling still works.
Is it illegal to throw electronics in the trash?
Yes in 25+ U.S. states with e-waste laws (CA, CO, CT, IL, IN, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, NC, NJ, NY, OR, PA, RI, SC, TX, UT, VA, VT, WA, WI, others). Penalties range from $25 to $25,000+ depending on volume and the device's hazardous content (CRT TVs, monitors, lithium-ion batteries draw the highest fines).
How do I securely wipe a laptop hard drive?
For SSDs: use the manufacturer's built-in secure-erase tool (Apple T2/Apple Silicon: Erase All Content and Settings; Windows: Reset This PC with 'Remove everything + Clean drive'). For HDDs: run DBAN (free) for 1-3 passes. Physical destruction (drill through the platter) is the only guaranteed method but voids any trade-in or donation value.
What about printer cartridges and toner?
Free at Staples, Office Depot, Best Buy, and Walmart customer service desks — they accept any brand. Some manufacturers (HP, Brother, Canon, Epson, Lexmark) include free pre-paid return envelopes with new cartridges. Never trash — the residual toner is a fine particulate health hazard.
Can I recycle old phone chargers and cables?
Yes — Best Buy and Staples accept all small electronics including chargers, USB cables, HDMI cables, and AC adapters free at every store. Drop in their e-waste bin near the entrance; no questions asked. Don't trash — cables contain enough copper to be economically recyclable.
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