Where to take your old computer
Your best options are a local electronics recycler, a manufacturer take-back program, or a retail store that accepts old computers. Electronics recyclers are the fastest route — most will accept desktops, laptops, and monitors at little or no cost, and many offer free pickup if the machine is large enough. Search "electronics recycling near me" or visit Earth911.com to find facilities in your area by zip code.
Manufacturer take-back programs are free and often include prepaid shipping. Dell, HP, Lenovo, Apple, and most other makers run these programs. You pack the computer yourself, print a label, and drop it at a shipping location. The manufacturer handles the rest. Visit the maker's website and search for "recycling" or "take-back" to find their program.
Best Buy accepts computers at any store location for a fee of $25 to $35 per machine, though some items are free depending on what you're buying. Staples also accepts computers and monitors, sometimes at no cost. Call ahead to confirm the current fee and whether your specific model is accepted.
Key Takeaways
- Local electronics recyclers are usually free and the fastest option if you want the computer gone this week.
- Manufacturer take-back programs are free and include prepaid shipping, but take two to four weeks from drop-off to completion.
- You must erase all data yourself before handing over the computer — recyclers do not may provide data destruction.
- Donating to a school, library, or nonprofit is an option if the computer still works, but confirm they accept your model first.
- Never put a computer in the trash or curbside recycling; it contains materials that harm soil and water.
How to erase your data before disposal
Deleting files or emptying the trash does not remove data from the hard drive. Anyone with basic tools can recover deleted files. You must overwrite the drive or remove it entirely.
The simplest method is to use built-in erasure tools. On Windows, open Settings, go to System, then Recovery, and select "Reset this PC." Choose "Remove everything" and let it run — this overwrites the drive with random data. On Mac, restart the computer, hold Command and R to enter Recovery Mode, open Disk Utility, select your drive, and click Erase. Both methods take 30 minutes to several hours depending on drive size.
If you want more certainty, remove the hard drive yourself before recycling the computer. Most laptops and desktops have a removable drive — YouTube has step-by-step videos for your specific model. Once removed, you can destroy the drive with a hammer or drill, or keep it and install it in another computer. This is the only way to may provide no one can recover your files.
Do not rely on the recycler to erase your data. Most recyclers shred drives, which is effective, but some do not, and you have no way to verify what happened to your machine after you hand it over.
Donating a working computer
If your computer still turns on and runs programs, schools, libraries, nonprofits, and community centers often accept donations. Call ahead — most have specific needs and may not want older models. Ask whether they need the power cord, whether they handle pickup, and whether they provide a receipt for tax purposes.
Local schools and school districts sometimes accept computers for classroom use or student take-home programs. Public libraries often refurbish donated machines and lend them to patrons. Nonprofits like Goodwill, The Salvation Army, and local charities accept computers, though policies vary by location. Some organizations like World Computer Exchange and Computers for Schools specialize in refurbishing and distributing machines to underserved communities.
Before donating, erase all your data using the methods described above. Do not assume the organization will do it. Also test the computer to confirm it starts and runs without crashing — organizations cannot accept machines that do not work.
What happens at an electronics recycler
Recyclers separate computers into components: metals, plastics, glass, and circuit boards. Metals like copper, aluminum, and gold are melted down and sold to manufacturers. Plastics are shredded and sold to plastic makers. Glass from monitors is crushed and used in new glass products or road base. Circuit boards are processed to recover precious metals and rare earth elements.
The process is not perfect — some materials end up in landfills, and some recyclers have poor environmental practices. Choosing a certified recycler reduces harm. Look for e-Stewards or R2 (Responsible Recycling) certification, which means the facility meets standards for worker safety, data security, and environmental protection. Both certifications are listed on the recycler's website.
Costs and fees to expect
Most local electronics recyclers accept computers for free. Some charge $10 to $25 for older or larger machines, particularly CRT monitors, which are heavy and contain hazardous materials. Call ahead to confirm the fee for your specific item.
Manufacturer take-back is always free. Best Buy charges $25 to $35 per computer, though some items are free if you're buying a replacement. Staples charges vary by location and item type — call your local store. Shipping costs are covered by the manufacturer or retailer, not by you.
If you donate to a nonprofit, there is no cost. Some organizations offer free pickup if the donation is large enough, though this varies.
Preparing your computer for pickup or drop-off
Back up any files you want to keep before erasing the drive. Use an external hard drive, USB stick, or cloud storage like Google Drive or OneDrive. Once you erase the drive, those files are gone.
Gather the power cord and any cables that came with the computer. Recyclers and donors appreciate having these, though they are not required. If you have the original box or packaging, include it — it protects the machine during transport.
If you arranged pickup, clear a path to the computer so the driver can reach it easily. If you are dropping it off, confirm the recycler's hours and whether you need an appointment. Some facilities accept walk-ins; others require you to schedule a time slot.
Why you should not throw a computer in the trash
Computers contain lead, mercury, cadmium, and other toxic materials. When a computer ends up in a landfill, these materials leach into soil and groundwater, contaminating drinking water and crops. Many states ban electronics from landfills and curbside recycling for this reason.
Throwing away a computer is also illegal in some places. California, New York, Vermont, and several other states have laws against discarding electronics. Violating these laws can result in fines. Even where it is legal, it is harmful — recycling keeps toxic materials out of the environment and recovers valuable metals that would otherwise be mined from the earth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I recycle a computer that does not turn on?
Yes. Electronics recyclers accept broken computers because the materials inside — copper, aluminum, gold, and rare earth elements — are still valuable. A machine that does not work cannot be donated, but it can always be recycled.
What if my computer has a broken screen or missing keys?
Recyclers accept damaged machines. Donors may not, depending on how bad the damage is. Call the organization first and describe the damage. If they decline, a recycler will take it.
Do I need to remove the hard drive before recycling?
No, but you should erase it first using the built-in tools on Windows or Mac. If you want absolute certainty your data is gone, remove the drive yourself and destroy it. Recyclers will shred the drive, but you have no way to verify they actually did.
How long does it take to recycle a computer?
Drop-off recycling is when ready — you leave the machine and walk away. Manufacturer take-back takes two to four weeks from the time you drop it at a shipping location. The recycler's processing time is not your concern; the manufacturer handles it.
Will I get money for my old computer?
Recyclers do not pay for computers. If your machine is recent and works well, you can sell it on eBay, Facebook Marketplace, or Craigslist instead. If it is old or broken, recycling or donating is your best option.