If you’ve got a closet full of ancient laptops, printers, and forgotten gadgets, you’re not alone. A recent CNET survey found that nearly a third of people hold onto old electronics simply because figuring out how to dispose of them feels like a hassle.
But here’s the truth: tossing electronics in the trash isn’t just wasteful — it’s harmful to the environment and even illegal in some areas. The good news? Recycling your e-waste has never been easier. Many major retailers will take your old devices off your hands for free, sometimes even rewarding you with store credit.
Why Recycling Old Tech Matters
Those outdated PCs and printers aren’t just collecting dust — they contain valuable metals and components that can be reused, as well as toxic materials that shouldn’t end up in landfills. Recycling them helps:
- Prevent hazardous waste contamination
- Recover reusable materials like copper, aluminum, and gold
- Free up space in your home
- Support a cleaner and safer environment
So, if your gear has been sitting idle since 2008, now’s the perfect time to let it go — responsibly.
Before You Recycle: Protect Your Data
Before handing over your computer, make sure you’ve securely wiped it clean. A factory reset is usually enough for most users. Check out CNET’s guide on how to perform a factory reset on Windows, Mac, or Chromebook devices to make sure your personal data stays safe.
Where to Recycle Your Old Computers and Printers
Not every retailer offers recycling for free, and policies can differ by brand. Here’s what you need to know about some of the biggest options:
Apple
Apple’s recycling program lets you drop off old computers, monitors, and peripherals at Apple Stores. However, free recycling often comes with a catch — you usually need to purchase a new eligible product to qualify.
If you’re not buying new gear, you can use Gazelle, a third-party service that buys and recycles used MacBooks. They offer prepaid shipping labels or boxes to make the process painless.
Best Buy
Best Buy remains one of the easiest places to recycle old electronics. You can bring in up to three household items per day, including desktops, printers, and even small appliances like vacuums. Laptops have a higher limit of five items per day.
Note that TV and monitor drop-offs may come with a small fee, depending on your state. Best Buy also offers a paid mail-in recycling box service, costing $23 for a small box (up to 6 lbs) or $30 for a large one (up to 15 lbs).
Office Depot / OfficeMax
Office Depot and OfficeMax, now under one brand, run a tech trade-in program both in-store and online. If your old device has value, you’ll receive store credit. If not, they’ll recycle it for free.
They also sell e-waste recycling boxes you can fill and drop off later:
- Small box (20 lbs): $8.39
- Medium box (40 lbs): $18.29
- Large box (60 lbs): $28
Staples
Staples accepts most electronics — including desktops, laptops, and printers — at no cost, regardless of where you bought them. They also offer a free at-home battery recycling box, which has already helped customers recycle thousands of batteries each week. You can find a full list of accepted items on Staples’ website.
Can’t Get to a Store? Try a Recycling Center
If you don’t have a participating retailer nearby, recycling centers are another excellent option. A few online tools make locating them easy:
Earth911
Earth911’s recycling search tool allows you to find local drop-off points by ZIP code. You can filter results to focus on computers, printers, or mobile phones, depending on what you’re recycling.
Greener Gadgets
Run by the Consumer Technology Association, Greener Gadgets lets you locate nearby recycling facilities and filter by specific device types. It’s a great resource for responsibly getting rid of just about any kind of old tech.
The Bottom Line
Recycling your old electronics takes minimal effort but delivers a massive environmental impact. Whether you drop them off at Best Buy, Apple, or a local center, you’re ensuring toxic e-waste stays out of landfills — and maybe even earning a little reward in the process. So go ahead: clean out that closet and give your old tech the dignified goodbye it deserves.
