Where to take your old computer

Your computer contains materials that can harm soil and water if thrown in the trash, so most places have rules against it. The fastest route is usually a retailer that accepts electronics: Best Buy takes computers and monitors for free at the service desk, no purchase necessary. Staples does the same. If you bought the computer from a manufacturer like Dell or Apple, their take-back programs often cover shipping at no cost.

Your city or county almost certainly runs an electronics recycling program. Search "[your city] electronics recycling" or call your local solid waste department — they can tell you the nearest drop-off location and whether there is a fee. Many programs are free; some charge $5 to $20 depending on the device size. Some accept computers only on certain days, so confirm hours before you go.

If the computer still works, donation is an option. Schools, libraries, nonprofits, and community centers often take working machines. Call ahead to ask what condition they need — some want recent models only, others take older machines for parts or refurbishment. Goodwill and Salvation Army locations vary; some take computers, some do not.

Key Takeaways

  • Best Buy and Staples accept computers for free at the service desk without requiring a purchase.
  • Your city or county recycling program is usually free and can be found by searching "[your city] electronics recycling" or calling your local solid waste department.
  • If your computer works, schools, libraries, and nonprofits may take it as a donation — call first to ask what condition they need.
  • Never put a computer in the trash; it contains materials that are illegal to landfill in most places.
  • Manufacturer take-back programs like Dell and Apple's often cover shipping costs and may offer data destruction certificates.

What happens to your computer after drop-off

Recycling facilities separate the materials: metals like copper and aluminum are melted down and sold, plastics are ground and reused, and glass from monitors is processed separately. Some parts are refurbished and resold. The goal is to recover as much material as possible and keep hazardous substances — lead in old monitor glass, mercury in some backlights, cadmium in batteries — out of landfills.

Not all recyclers handle data destruction, so if your computer contains sensitive information, you should handle that yourself before drop-off. See the data removal section below.

How to remove your data before recycling

Deleting files does not erase them from the hard drive — they remain recoverable until the space is overwritten. If your computer has a hard disk drive (HDD), the safest method is to physically remove the drive before recycling the rest of the machine. Open the case, locate the drive (usually a rectangular metal box), disconnect the cables, and unscrew it. You can then destroy it yourself with a drill or hammer, or take it to a recycler separately.

If you want to keep the drive or recycle the whole machine intact, use disk-wiping software. DBAN (Darik's Boot Negation) is free and runs from a USB stick — it overwrites every sector of the drive multiple times, making recovery nearly impossible. read it on another computer, create a bootable USB, restart your computer from that USB, and let it run. This takes several hours depending on drive size.

For a solid-state drive (SSD), the situation is different. SSDs use a different storage method and are harder to wipe completely with software. The safest approach is physical destruction — remove the drive and drill through it or break it with a hammer. Some recyclers offer certified data destruction for a fee ($10 to $30) and will provide a certificate stating the drive was destroyed.

If you are not comfortable opening your computer, ask the recycler whether they offer data destruction. Many do, though not all advertise it. Call ahead and ask specifically whether they will destroy the hard drive or certify that it was destroyed.

Manufacturer and retailer take-back programs

Dell's program accepts any brand of computer and offers free shipping if you print a label from their website. They destroy the hard drive and provide a certificate of destruction. Apple's trade-in program gives you credit toward a new purchase if the machine works; if it does not, they recycle it for free. HP, Lenovo, and most other manufacturers have similar programs — search "[brand name] recycling program" to find theirs.

Best Buy's Geek Squad also offers data destruction services in-store for around $50 if you want the drive wiped before the machine leaves your hands. This is useful if you want proof the data is gone before you hand over the computer.

What to do if your computer does not work

A broken computer is still recyclable — in fact, recyclers prefer broken machines because they know the data cannot be recovered easily. Drop it off at any electronics recycler or retailer program. If the screen is cracked or the case is damaged, that is fine; just let the staff know so they can handle it safely.

If the computer will not turn on, you still need to remove the hard drive yourself if it contains sensitive data, because recyclers do not routinely destroy drives — they assume the machine is broken and the data is inaccessible. A broken computer with an intact drive is still a data risk if someone with the right tools gets to it.

Costs and what to expect

Most drop-off programs are free. Some recyclers charge a fee for large monitors or for computers with broken screens, typically $5 to $20. Manufacturer programs are free. Retailer programs are free. If a recycler quotes you a price, ask whether it includes data destruction — sometimes the fee covers certified destruction, sometimes it does not.

Processing time is usually when ready — you drop it off and leave. You do not need to wait for the recycling to finish. If you requested a certificate of destruction, ask when you can expect it; most recyclers mail them within two weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I throw my computer in the regular trash?

No. Most states and cities have laws against putting electronics in the trash because of the hazardous materials inside. Violating this can result in fines. Use a recycler, retailer program, or donation instead.

Do I need to erase my hard drive if I donate the computer?

Yes. Even if the organization seems trustworthy, you should wipe the drive yourself using DBAN or by removing and destroying the drive. Donation does not may provide the computer will not be resold or passed along later.

What if I have multiple old computers?

Most recyclers accept multiple machines at once. Call ahead if you have more than five to confirm they can handle the volume. Manufacturer take-back programs usually accept one computer per shipment, but you can submit multiple shipments.

Will I get money for my old computer?

Recyclers do not pay for broken machines. If your computer works, some retailers and resellers will buy it or give you store credit — search "[brand] trade-in" to find buyback programs. Otherwise, donation is the only way to get value from a working machine.

How do I know if a recycler is legitimate?

Look for e-Stewards or R2 (Responsible Recycling) certification on their website. These certifications mean the recycler follows standards for data destruction and safe material handling. Your city's recycling program is also legitimate by default.