Your printer has several recycling routes depending on its condition and what you want to do next

An old printer can go to a manufacturer take-back program, a retail store that accepts electronics, a local e-waste facility, or a donation center if it still works. The fastest option is usually the retailer where you bought your new printer — many big-box stores accept old electronics at the counter. If your printer still prints, donation keeps it out of the waste stream and may get you a tax deduction. The route you choose depends on whether the printer works, whether you want money or a deduction, and what's convenient near you.

Most routes are free. Retail stores, manufacturers, and municipal programs charge nothing to take your printer off your hands. The only time you might pay is if you use a scrap yard for a broken printer, and even then the fee is usually small. The real choice is between speed, convenience, and what happens to the printer after you hand it over.

Key Takeaways

  • Best Buy, Staples, and Office Depot all accept old printers at the register, usually at no charge, regardless of where you bought them.
  • Manufacturer take-back programs like HP, Canon, and Epson's mail-in services are free and often include a prepaid shipping label.
  • Working printers can go to Goodwill, Salvation Army, or local libraries, which may offer you a tax deduction receipt.
  • Municipal e-waste collection events and permanent drop-off sites handle printers for free and are listed on your city or county website.
  • Some printers contain valuable metals; scrap recyclers and refurbishers may pay for working units or high-end models.

Retail store drop-off programs

Best Buy, Staples, and Office Depot accept printers at customer service desks with no charge and no purchase required. You walk in with your printer, hand it over, and leave. Best Buy's Geek Squad program handles the logistics from there. Staples and Office Depot send printers to certified e-waste processors. None of these stores require you to have bought the printer from them.

Hours and policies vary by location, so call ahead or check the store's website before you go. Some locations have size or weight limits, though most standard desktop and small multifunction printers are accepted. If you have a large format printer or industrial model, ask whether that specific store can take it. This route works best if you have one of these retailers within driving distance and want to drop the printer off the same day.

Manufacturer take-back and mail-in programs

HP, Canon, Epson, Brother, Xerox, and Lexmark all run mail-in recycling programs. You request a prepaid shipping label from the manufacturer's website, pack the printer, and drop it at a UPS, FedEx, or post office location. The manufacturer handles recycling from there. Most programs are free, though some charge a small fee for very large printers.

To find your printer's manufacturer program, go to the brand's website and search for "recycling" or "take-back." You'll need the printer model number, which is usually on the back or bottom of the unit. The process typically takes one to two weeks from the time you request the label to the time you ship it. This option works well if you don't have a retail store nearby or prefer not to leave home.

Donation to schools, libraries, and nonprofits

Working printers are wanted by schools, public libraries, community centers, and nonprofits. Goodwill and Salvation Army locations accept printers in working condition at their donation centers. Some libraries run their own donation programs and may pick up larger equipment. Call ahead to confirm the organization accepts printers and ask about drop-off hours.

When you donate, ask for a receipt. You can deduct the fair market value of the printer on your taxes if you itemize deductions. Fair market value is what a similar used printer sells for online, not what you paid for it originally. Keep the receipt and photograph the printer before you drop it off, in case you need proof of the donation for tax purposes.

Municipal e-waste collection and drop-off sites

Most cities and counties run free e-waste collection programs. Some hold seasonal collection events; others have permanent drop-off locations open year-round. Your city or county website lists both options under "e-waste," "electronics recycling," or "hazardous waste." Search "[your city] e-waste" or call your local solid waste department to find the nearest site.

Drop-off is usually free and requires no appointment. You bring the printer, leave it at the designated area, and go. Collection events often happen on weekends and accept printers along with computers, monitors, cables, and other electronics. Some municipalities charge a small fee per item if you're not a resident, so confirm before you go.

Scrap metal and refurbisher buyers

Working printers and some older models have resale value. Refurbishment companies like Gazelle, Decluttr, and local computer repair shops sometimes buy used printers outright. You describe the model and condition, they quote a price, and you ship it to them or arrange a local pickup. Prices are usually low — often five to twenty dollars for a standard inkjet — but it's faster than donation if you want cash.

Scrap metal recyclers pay for printers by weight, not function. If your printer is broken and you want the fastest removal, a local scrap yard may take it for a few dollars. Call ahead with the printer model and condition to get a quote. This route makes sense only if you have a scrap yard nearby and the printer is too damaged to donate or sell.

What not to do with an old printer

Do not put a printer in the curbside recycling bin. Printers contain circuit boards, toner cartridges, and sometimes lithium batteries that can damage sorting equipment and contaminate the recycling stream. Curbside programs are designed for paper, cardboard, and metals — not electronics.

Do not throw a printer in the trash. Printers contain lead solder, mercury in some fluorescent components, and plastic that takes decades to break down. Landfills are not designed to handle electronics safely. E-waste facilities separate materials properly and recover metals and plastics for reuse.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to remove the toner cartridge before recycling?

No. Leave cartridges in the printer. E-waste facilities have equipment to remove and handle cartridges safely. If you remove them yourself, you risk spilling toner powder. If you want to reuse a cartridge, remove it before you drop the printer off and recycle the cartridge separately at an office supply store.

Will I get paid to recycle my printer?

Rarely. Most retail and municipal programs are free. Refurbishment companies and scrap yards may pay a small amount for working printers or printers with valuable components, but expect five to twenty dollars at most. Donation gives you a tax deduction, which may be worth more than cash.

What if my printer still works but I don't want to donate it?

Sell it online through Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or eBay. Working printers have a market, especially if they're multifunction units or have low page counts. Take clear photos and list the model, condition, and whether cartridges are included. Price it below retail to move it faster.

Can I recycle a printer with a broken screen or missing parts?

Yes. E-waste facilities accept printers in any condition. Broken screens and missing parts don't disqualify a printer from recycling. Retail stores and manufacturers may have stricter policies, so call ahead if you're using those routes, but municipal e-waste sites take everything.

How long does it take to recycle a printer through a mail-in program?

Request the shipping label online, which usually arrives within one to three business days. You then have time to pack and ship the printer, which takes another three to seven days depending on your location. Total time from request to delivery is typically one to two weeks. The manufacturer's website will give you a specific timeline.