4 Convenient Ways to Recycle Old Electronics—It's Easier Than You Think

Have a drawer overflowing with obsolete electronics and no clue what to do with them? You’re not alone. Old cell phones, broken laptops, and countless cords tend to accumulate quickly, and it can be tough to know where to properly dispose of them. The good news? You don’t need to seek out a specialized recycling center to make the right choice. “Many consumers are surprised to learn that everyday locations already offer electronics recycling,” says Astha Upadhyay, Ph.D., a materials and environmental scientist at Temple University.

From big-time retailers to cell carriers, there are more convenient options than ever to recycle old electronics, and many of them are easy to access during your everyday routine.

Big Box Retailers

One of the easiest ways to recycle your old electronics? Your favorite big box retailer, like Best Buy or Staples. “Most people don't realize Best Buy takes old electronics from anyone; you don't even have to have bought anything there,” Sam Devia, tech expert and founder of eRepair, explains.  

Best Buy has one of the largest retail electronics recycling programs and has successfully moved over two billion pounds of electronics through the process, Upadhyay says. The company accepts a wide range of electronics (think cell phones, video games, cameras, computers, TVs, and more). Most items can be dropped off for free at your local Best Buy store. 

Can’t get to a location easily? The electronics giant offers a mail-in service (around $30) for eligible small- to medium-sized electronics. And if you’re already planning to purchase something from Best Buy, the company will haul away your old TV, appliances, or fitness equipment for a small fee.  

Office supply stores, like Staples and Office Depot, also offer recycling programs. Office Depot accepts only ink and toner cartridges, while Staples accepts items such as tablets, batteries, laptops, printers, and more. You can either mail in your recyclables (for a small fee) or drop them off at a nearby Staples location. 

Nonprofit Organizations

Many nonprofits offer options for recycling (or refurbishing) your old electronics. “Programs run by Goodwill Industries International collect electronics through partnerships that refurbish usable devices and recycle non-repairable equipment responsibly,” Upadhyay says. 

Your best bet is to find the Goodwills in your area to see which items you can donate. Typically, most nonprofit collection programs accept smaller electronics, like smartphones, laptops, tablets, desktop computers, printers, and accessories. For items that can’t be repaired or reused, these organizations help ensure components are responsibly processed.

Other nonprofits offer similar services (like PCs for People, Human-I-T, or eWorks), but they tend to be state or city-specific. To find a local service near you, Google "electronic recycling nonprofit" alongside your city and state.  

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Cell Phone Carriers

Your cell phone provider is another (often overlooked) way to recycle your old devices. Devia says that almost all major U.S. providers, such as Verizon, T-Mobile, and AT&T, offer some form of program. 

Cell phone carriers tend to accept the types of electronics you’d expect: old cell phones, chargers, and tablets. Most of them do not accept other types of tech (like computers, TVs, or printers). To recycle your device, use the store locator to find a drop-off location near you. 

In addition to recycling, phone carriers usually offer trade-in programs that let you exchange an old device for credit toward a new phone. If your device still has value, it could be refurbished and resold. If not, it’s typically broken down so components like metals, plastics, and glass can be reused.

Manufacturers

Electronics manufacturers like Apple, Dell, and Samsung typically offer build-in recycling programs. “Apple operates a device trade-in and recycling program where customers can return old electronics in stores or through mail-in services,” Upadhyay says. “Other manufacturers such as Dell Technologies and Samsung Electronics also provide mail-in and drop-off recycling programs for consumers who do not have a nearby collection site.” 

Many companies are working to increase the use of recycled materials in new devices, and take-back programs help supply said materials. “For example, Apple has committed to becoming carbon neutral across its entire supply chain and product lifecycle by 2030, which includes increasing the use of recycled materials recovered from returned devices,” Upadhyay says. This makes them a practical alternative to traditional recycling centers.