Your local waste authority or recycling center is usually the fastest place to start

Most cities and counties run computer recycling programs through their solid waste department or a contracted recycler. Call your city or county waste management office directly—they can tell you whether they accept computers at the curb, at a drop-off location, or through a scheduled pickup. Some programs are free; others charge a small fee depending on the device type and condition.

If you do not know your local waste authority's number, search "[your city] waste management" or "[your county] solid waste" online. Many post their accepted items and drop-off hours on their website. Having your computer's make, model, and condition ready (working, broken, missing parts) helps them answer your question faster.

Key Takeaways

  • Your city or county waste authority usually runs a free or low-cost computer recycling program and can tell you drop-off locations and hours in one call.
  • Manufacturer take-back programs—run by Dell, HP, Apple, Lenovo, and others—often accept computers for free or a flat fee regardless of where you bought them.
  • Retail stores including Best Buy, Staples, and Office Depot accept old computers and may offer store credit or cash depending on condition.
  • Donation centers like Goodwill and local nonprofits accept working computers and may pick them up from your home if the device is in decent condition.
  • Data destruction is your responsibility before handing over any computer—wiping the drive is faster and safer than relying on the recycler to do it.

Manufacturer take-back programs for Dell, HP, Apple, and Lenovo

Most major computer makers run their own recycling programs and accept machines regardless of where you bought them. Dell's program accepts desktops and laptops for a flat fee (usually $10 to $20) and arranges pickup from your home. HP's program is similar and sometimes free depending on the device. Apple offers mail-in recycling through its website, and Lenovo accepts computers through its trade-in program.

To start, visit the manufacturer's website and search for "recycling" or "trade-in." You will need the computer's serial number, which is usually on a sticker on the back or bottom. The program will quote you a price or confirm it is free, then send you a prepaid shipping label or schedule a pickup. This route works well if you know the brand and want a single point of contact.

Retail stores that accept old computers

Best Buy accepts computers at any store location for a $25 recycling fee per device, with no purchase required. Staples and Office Depot also accept computers and may offer store credit if the machine is in working condition. Some locations offer free recycling for smaller items like keyboards and monitors, so ask when you call ahead.

Before you go, call the store to confirm they are accepting computers that day—some locations have limits on how many items they can process per week. Bring your device in its original box or a sturdy bag if possible. If the computer is working and relatively recent, ask whether they offer trade-in credit; some stores will pay cash or store credit for machines they can resell.

Donation centers and nonprofits for working computers

If your computer still works, Goodwill, Salvation Army, and local nonprofits often accept donations and may pick them up from your home. Libraries sometimes accept old computers for their programs or can refer you to a local nonprofit. Schools and community centers occasionally take donations for classroom use or student lending programs.

Before donating, call the organization to confirm they accept computers and ask about their pickup policy. Many will only pick up if you are donating multiple items or if the computer is in good working condition. Donating a working machine is usually faster than recycling and keeps the device out of the waste stream if someone else can use it.

What to do with your data before disposal

Wiping your hard drive is your responsibility, not the recycler's. Before you hand over the computer, back up any files you want to keep, then use the operating system's built-in tool to erase the drive. On Windows, use Settings > System > Recovery > Reset this PC. On Mac, use Disk Utility to erase the drive, or use Erase All Content and Settings if you have a newer model.

If the computer will not turn on or you are unsure how to wipe it, many recyclers and retailers will do it for a fee (usually $20 to $50). Some will also do it for free if you are trading in the machine for credit. Never assume the recycler will handle data destruction—confirm in writing before you drop off the device.

Computers with broken screens or missing parts

Broken or incomplete computers are still recyclable and should not go in the trash. Your local waste authority will accept them, as will most manufacturer programs and retail stores. The recycler will separate the materials—metals, plastics, glass—and send them to the appropriate facility. Some parts, like the motherboard, contain valuable metals and are worth recovering.

If the screen is cracked or the keyboard is missing, mention that when you contact the recycler or retailer. Some charge a higher fee for damaged machines, and some charge the same flat rate regardless. Knowing the condition upfront helps you choose the fastest or cheapest option.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I throw a computer in the regular trash?

No. Computers contain lead, mercury, and other toxic materials that contaminate soil and water in landfills. Most states ban e-waste from trash. Use a recycler, retailer, or donation center instead—all are free or low-cost.

Do I need to remove the hard drive before recycling?

You do not have to, but you should wipe it first using your operating system's erase tool. If you want to keep the drive, remove it before dropping off the computer—most recyclers will not return it. Ask the recycler whether they accept drives separately if you want to recycle it elsewhere.

Will I get paid for an old computer?

Possibly. Retail stores like Best Buy and Staples offer trade-in credit for working machines in decent condition. Manufacturer programs sometimes offer credit toward a new purchase. Donation centers do not pay, but you may be able to claim a tax deduction if you itemize.

How long does computer recycling usually take?

Drop-off at a local center or retailer is when ready. Mail-in programs take one to two weeks from the time you ship it. Pickup services vary—some schedule within a week, others take longer depending on demand in your area.

What if my computer is too old to donate?

Old computers that do not work are still recyclable. Your local waste authority, Best Buy, or a manufacturer program will accept them. Donation centers typically only take working machines, so recycling is the right choice for broken or very outdated devices.