Best Buy accepts tablets for recycling at all U.S. locations
Yes, Best Buy recycles tablets. You can bring any tablet—working or broken, any brand, any age—to any Best Buy store and leave it for recycling at no cost. The store does not need the charger, cable, or original packaging. You do not need to be a Best Buy customer or member.
Best Buy's recycling program is run through a third-party processor. The company strips down devices for reusable parts and materials, then sends what cannot be reused to appropriate recycling facilities. This keeps electronics out of landfills and recovers materials like aluminum, copper, and rare earth metals.
The process is straightforward: walk into any Best Buy, find the customer service desk or the recycling kiosk (usually near the front or back of the store), and hand over your tablet. Staff will ask for your name and zip code, then give you a receipt. That is the entire transaction.
Key Takeaways
- Best Buy recycles tablets for free at all U.S. stores, whether the tablet works or is completely broken.
- You do not need to erase the tablet yourself before dropping it off, though wiping your data is safer if the device still powers on.
- Best Buy accepts tablets from any manufacturer—Apple, Samsung, Amazon, Lenovo, or any other brand.
- The recycling desk is usually near customer service; ask a staff member if you cannot find it when you arrive.
What happens to your tablet after you drop it off
Once you hand over your tablet, Best Buy sends it to an e-waste recycling facility. The facility tests whether the device can be refurbished and resold. If it can, the tablet enters the refurbished market. If it cannot, technicians disassemble it to recover individual components.
Materials are sorted by type: circuit boards go to one processor, glass and plastic to another, metals to a third. This separation allows each material stream to be recycled into new products rather than burned or buried. Best Buy does not resell your data or personal information—the company's privacy policy covers recycling the same way it covers store operations.
Preparing your tablet before recycling
You do not have to erase your tablet before bringing it to Best Buy. However, if your tablet still powers on, erasing it yourself takes five minutes and is safer. On an iPad, go to Settings > General > Reset > Erase All Content and Settings. On Android tablets, go to Settings > System > Reset Options > Erase All Data.
If your tablet is broken and will not turn on, do not worry. Best Buy's recycling partners have data destruction protocols for devices that cannot be wiped normally. Write down your device's serial number before you go, in case you need it for your own records—Best Buy does not require it.
Do not remove the battery yourself. Lithium batteries can catch fire if damaged, and recycling facilities have the equipment to handle them safely. Bring the tablet as it is.
Other places that recycle tablets
Best Buy is convenient if you have a store nearby, but other options exist. Apple stores recycle any tablet, not just iPads, at no cost. Amazon accepts Fire tablets and other devices through its trade-in program, which may offer store credit instead of free recycling. Manufacturer websites often list their own recycling programs—Samsung, Lenovo, and Microsoft all run them.
Local e-waste recyclers in your area may also accept tablets. Search "e-waste recycling near me" to find facilities that handle electronics. Some charge a small fee, usually $5 to $15, but they often accept a wider range of devices and may offer same-day service. Call ahead to confirm they take tablets and what condition they need to be in.
Donation is another option if your tablet still works. Schools, libraries, and nonprofits sometimes accept used tablets. Check with local organizations before assuming they want it—many have specific device requirements or are already overstocked.
What Best Buy will not recycle
Best Buy recycles tablets but has limits on other electronics. The store does not recycle alkaline batteries, rechargeable batteries removed from devices, or items that are not electronics. Do not bring a tablet with a swollen or visibly damaged battery—tell a staff member instead, and they will direct you to a safer option.
Best Buy also does not recycle items that contain hazardous materials beyond what is normal for electronics. If your tablet has been exposed to chemicals or has visible damage that suggests internal contamination, mention it to staff before handing it over.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to remove the SIM card from my tablet before recycling it?
If your tablet has a SIM card, you can remove it before recycling, but it is not required. Best Buy's recycling partners will remove it during processing. If you want to keep the SIM card for another device, pop it out before you go—it takes 10 seconds and uses a SIM ejector tool or a straightened paperclip.
Will Best Buy give me money for my old tablet?
Best Buy does not pay for tablets brought in for recycling. However, Best Buy's trade-in program may offer store credit if your tablet still works and meets the store's condition standards. Visit bestbuy.com/tradein or ask at the customer service desk to see if your model qualifies.
Can I recycle a tablet with a cracked screen?
Yes. Best Buy recycles tablets in any condition, including those with cracked screens, water damage, or missing parts. The recycling facility will handle the damage safely during disassembly.
How long does the recycling process take after I drop off my tablet?
Best Buy does not publish a timeline for how long recycling takes after you leave the store. The facility processes devices in batches, which can take weeks. You will receive a receipt with a reference number; you can contact Best Buy customer service if you need documentation for your records.
Is my data really deleted when I recycle my tablet?
If you erase the tablet yourself before dropping it off, your data is deleted. If you do not erase it, Best Buy's recycling partner will destroy the storage drive during disassembly—the data is not recovered or accessed. For maximum peace of mind, erase it yourself if the device still powers on.