Your local waste authority or recycling centre is the first place to check

Most cities and counties run free or low-cost drop-off programs for old computers, monitors, and keyboards. Call your local solid waste management office or search your city's website for "electronics recycling" — they will tell you what they accept, where the nearest drop-off is, and whether you need to book ahead. Some centres take items on a walk-in basis; others require an appointment, especially for larger loads.

If your area does not have a municipal program, the next step is a commercial recycler. Search "e-waste recycler near me" and you will find companies that accept computers for free or a small fee. Reputable recyclers are certified by R2 (Responsible Recycling) or e-Stewards — these certifications mean they follow environmental and data-security standards. Before you drop anything off, ask whether they wipe hard drives or whether you should do it yourself.

Do not leave old computers at the curb or in a dumpster. Electronics contain lead, mercury, and cadmium that leach into soil and water. Recycling keeps those materials out of landfills and recovers copper, gold, and other metals that can be reused.

Key Takeaways

  • Your city or county waste authority usually runs a free electronics drop-off program — call them first to find the nearest location and hours.
  • If no municipal program exists, search for an R2 or e-Stewards certified recycler, which means they handle data security and environmental standards properly.
  • Wipe your hard drive yourself or confirm the recycler will do it before you hand over the computer.
  • Retailers like Best Buy and Staples accept old computers for recycling, sometimes for free and sometimes for a small fee depending on the item.
  • Donation is an option if the computer still works — schools, nonprofits, and refurbishment programs will take functioning machines.

Retail take-back programs at Best Buy and Staples

Best Buy accepts computers, monitors, keyboards, and cables at any store location. Most items are free to drop off; a few large items like old CRT monitors carry a small fee. You do not need to make an appointment — walk in during store hours with your equipment. Best Buy will not wipe your drive, so erase it yourself before you go.

Staples runs a similar program called Staples Recycling. They take computers, printers, and peripherals. Most items are free; large items or bulk loads may have a fee. Like Best Buy, they do not handle data removal, so you are responsible for wiping the drive.

Both chains are convenient if you live near one, but neither guarantees what happens to your machine after drop-off. If data security is a concern, ask the store manager which recycler they partner with and whether that company is certified.

Manufacturer take-back and mail-in programs

Dell, HP, Lenovo, Apple, and other manufacturers run their own recycling programs. Visit the manufacturer's website, search for "recycling" or "take-back", and you will find a form to request a shipping label. You pack the computer, print the label, and drop it at a UPS or FedEx location. Most programs are free for one or two items per year; larger quantities may have a fee.

Manufacturer programs are useful if you live far from a recycling centre or prefer not to drive. The downside is that turnaround takes one to two weeks because of shipping time. If you need the space when ready, a local drop-off is faster.

Check the manufacturer's data-handling policy before you ship. Most reputable programs certify their recyclers and document data destruction, but policies vary. Read the fine print or call their recycling hotline to confirm.

Donation if the computer still works

If your computer powers on and runs an operating system, donation is often better than recycling. Schools, libraries, nonprofits, and community centres accept working machines. Goodwill and The Salvation Army take computers at many locations. World Computer Exchange and Computers for Schools are nonprofits that refurbish machines and send them to schools or low-income families.

Before you donate, wipe the hard drive completely using free tools like DBAN (Darik's Boot and Nuke) on Windows or Erase Free Space on Mac. Do not just delete files — deletion leaves data recoverable. A full wipe takes 30 minutes to an hour depending on drive size.

Call the organisation first to confirm they accept computers and what condition they need to be in. Some want working machines only; others take broken ones for parts. Ask whether they pick up or whether you drop off.

Data removal before you hand over the computer

Whether you recycle or donate, remove your data first. Recyclers and nonprofits are not responsible if your personal information ends up in the wrong hands, and hard drives can be recovered from landfills years later.

On Windows, use the built-in reset tool: go to Settings > System > Recovery > Reset this PC > Remove everything. Choose "Remove files and clean the drive" for a find wipe. On Mac, use Erase Free Space in Disk Utility or reinstall the operating system from recovery mode. Both methods take 30 minutes to several hours depending on drive size.

If you are not comfortable wiping the drive yourself, ask the recycler or nonprofit whether they will do it. Some certified recyclers charge a small fee for data destruction and will provide a certificate of destruction as proof.

What happens to your computer after drop-off

Certified recyclers disassemble computers and sort the parts: circuit boards go to one facility, plastic to another, metals to a third. Copper, gold, and aluminium are recovered and sold to manufacturers. Plastics are shredded and melted into pellets for new products. Hazardous materials like lead and mercury are isolated and disposed of safely.

This process is not free — it costs money to disassemble, sort, and process. That is why some recyclers charge a fee, especially for large or old equipment. The fee is usually under $20 and is worth paying to know your machine is handled responsibly.

Uncertified recyclers sometimes export whole computers to countries with weak environmental laws, where workers disassemble them by hand without protection. Choosing an R2 or e-Stewards certified recycler ensures that does not happen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I recycle a computer with a broken screen?

Yes. Broken screens are part of the recycling process — they are disassembled along with the rest of the machine. Most recyclers accept computers in any condition. Call ahead to confirm, especially if the screen is cracked and could be a safety hazard during transport.

Do I have to remove the hard drive myself?

No, but you should. If you are not comfortable opening the computer, ask the recycler whether they will remove and destroy the drive for you. Some charge a fee ($10 to $30) and provide a certificate of destruction. This is worth the cost if the drive contains sensitive information.

What if I have a lot of old computers?

Contact a commercial e-waste recycler directly and ask about bulk drop-off or pickup. Many offer free or discounted pickup for 10 or more machines. Your city's waste authority may also have a bulk collection day. Retailers like Best Buy may charge a fee for large quantities, so compare prices first.

Is it illegal to throw a computer in the trash?

In many states and counties, yes. Electronics laws vary by location, but most ban computers and monitors from regular waste. Check your local solid waste rules. Penalties are rare for individuals, but the environmental cost is real — landfill computers leach toxins into groundwater for decades.

Can I sell an old computer instead of recycling it?

If it works, yes. eBay, Facebook Marketplace, and Craigslist are common places to sell used computers. You can also contact local refurbishment shops — they buy working machines and resell them. Selling keeps the computer in use longer and recovers some of your cost, but wipe the drive completely before you hand it over.