The fastest way to find a disposal location is to search your city or county name plus "e-waste" or "computer recycling"

Your local government almost always runs a free drop-off program or hosts collection events for old computers and electronics. Start by visiting your city or county website and searching for "e-waste" or "recycling". Many municipalities have a dedicated page listing drop-off locations, hours, and what they accept. If the website search doesn't work, call your local solid waste or public works department — they can tell you the nearest location and whether you need an appointment.

If your city doesn't have a dedicated e-waste program, the county almost certainly does. County programs typically serve multiple towns and often accept items from residents across the whole county, not just one city. The county solid waste authority or environmental services department can point you to the right place.

Some retailers that sell computers also take old ones back for free. Best Buy, for example, accepts computers at the customer service desk with no purchase required. Staples and Office Depot both run recycling programs as well. Call ahead to confirm they accept your specific item and whether there are any size or condition restrictions.

Key Takeaways

  • Your city or county runs a free e-waste drop-off program or collection event — search your local government website or call the solid waste department to find the nearest location.
  • Retailers like Best Buy, Staples, and Office Depot accept old computers at the customer service desk for free, with no purchase necessary.
  • Some manufacturers, including Dell, HP, and Lenovo, run mail-back programs where you can ship old computers to them for a small fee or free depending on the brand and device.
  • Nonprofits that refurbish computers for low-income families or schools may accept donations — search "[your city] computer donation" to find local organizations.
  • Never put a computer in the trash or curbside recycling bin; it contains materials that require special handling.

Manufacturer take-back programs if you want to mail the computer

Dell, HP, Lenovo, Apple, and most other major computer makers run mail-back recycling programs. You typically pack the computer yourself, print a prepaid shipping label from their website, and drop it at a UPS or FedEx location. Some programs are free; others charge a small fee depending on the device type and condition.

Visit the manufacturer's website and search for "recycling" or "take-back program". You'll usually find a form where you enter your computer's model and condition, and the site will tell you the cost and process. This option works well if you have no local drop-off nearby or prefer not to transport the computer yourself.

Nonprofit computer donation programs in your area

Organizations that refurbish computers for schools, libraries, or low-income families often accept donations. These groups typically wipe the hard drive, install fresh software, and pass the computer to someone who needs it. Search "[your city] computer donation nonprofit" or "[your city] refurbished computers" to find local organizations.

Before donating, ask the organization whether they accept your computer's age and condition. Some take only recent models; others accept older machines. You'll usually need to drop off the computer in person, though some nonprofits arrange pickup for large donations. Donating is a good option if your computer still works but you no longer need it.

What happens to your computer after drop-off

At a municipal e-waste facility or retailer, your computer goes to a certified recycler. These facilities disassemble the machine, separate materials like copper, aluminum, and plastic, and send them to manufacturers who use them in new products. The hard drive is destroyed or securely wiped to protect your data.

This process keeps toxic materials like lead, mercury, and cadmium out of landfills. It also recovers valuable metals and reduces the need to mine new raw materials. The recycler is required by law to follow environmental and data-protection standards, so your information is handled safely.

Preparing your computer before you drop it off

Before taking your computer anywhere, remove the hard drive if you want to keep it, or wipe it completely if you're leaving it in the machine. Wiping means using software to overwrite all data so it cannot be recovered. On Windows, use the built-in reset tool: go to Settings > System > Recovery and choose "Reset this PC". On a Mac, use Erase and Reinstall from System Settings.

You don't need to remove the battery, keyboard, or monitor — most recyclers accept complete systems. If the computer is broken or won't turn on, tell the drop-off staff when you arrive. Remove any personal items from the case, such as stickers or labels with your name.

What to do if you have multiple old computers

If you're disposing of more than one or two computers, contact your local e-waste facility or a certified recycler directly. Many offer bulk drop-off or pickup for businesses and households clearing out multiple devices. Some charge a small per-unit fee for bulk quantities; others waive fees for large donations.

Nonprofits that refurbish computers also welcome bulk donations and may send a truck to pick up items if the quantity is large enough. Call ahead with the number and type of computers you have so they can tell you whether they can take them and what the process looks like.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I throw a computer in the trash or curbside recycling?

No. Computers contain hazardous materials and valuable metals that require special handling. Most cities prohibit them in regular trash or curbside bins. Take your computer to an e-waste facility, retailer, or manufacturer program instead.

Do I need to erase my hard drive before dropping off my computer?

Yes, if the computer still powers on. Use your operating system's built-in reset tool to wipe the drive completely. If the computer is broken and won't start, tell the recycler when you drop it off — they have find methods to destroy the drive. Never assume the recycler will do it for you.

Will I get paid for my old computer?

Not through municipal e-waste programs or most retailers. However, if your computer is recent and in good working condition, you can sell it on Facebook Marketplace, eBay, or Craigslist. If you want to donate instead of sell, nonprofits that refurbish computers will take it for free.

How do I find the nearest e-waste drop-off location?

Search your city or county name plus "e-waste recycling" or "computer recycling" on Google Maps. You can also visit your local government's website and search for "recycling" or call the solid waste department. Best Buy's website has a store locator that shows which locations accept computers.

What if my computer has a broken screen or won't turn on?

Most e-waste facilities and retailers still accept broken computers. Tell the staff when you drop it off so they know not to test it. Nonprofits may decline broken machines if they can't refurbish them, so call ahead to ask.