Keep working electronics in use when practical; donate or reuse devices that still function, and recycle items that cannot reasonably be repaired or reused. Before handing anything over, delete personal information, remove batteries where possible, and confirm that the local program accepts the exact item. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) guidance is U.S.-oriented; collection options and legal requirements vary by location.
Where can I donate or recycle my old computer and other electronic products?
Start with local options, then check manufacturer or retailer take-back programs. The EPA’s Electronics Donation and Recycling page points consumers to local facilities and program directories, including Call2Recycle, Earth911, and Greener Gadgets. These are discovery routes, not guarantees that a particular location accepts your device; the EPA says its listings are informational and not endorsements.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Before making a trip or shipping an item, ask the provider whether it accepts the specific device and accessories, how it handles batteries, and whether there is a charge or geographic restriction. Collection rules and availability differ locally.
Recommended Free Tools
Should you reuse a device before recycling it?
Yes, when continued use is practical. The EPA says preventing waste is preferable to other waste-management options and recommends reuse or donation for electronics that still operate. For a computer or laptop, consider whether a hardware or software upgrade could keep it useful. If repair or reuse is not viable, recycling is the next route. See the EPA’s Sustainable Materials Management: Electronics guidance.
#1 Best Overall
- Assembled Dimensions: 22ox22ox22 , Capacity: Up to 70 lbs
- of unsorted computers, peripherals, monitors, TVs, home electronics, office electronics, printers, toner cartridges, cell phones, and personal electronics
- , Includes: recycling container, 6 mil poly liner, liner tie, instructions, terms and conditions, prepaid return shipping label, proof of purchase with serial number, online certificates of recycling
- Not available in the states of Alaska, Hawaii or Puerto Rico
- Also known as: 094922122049, SUPPLY-061 Specifications No Specifications Available Recently Viewed (10) This listing is for Each
For working devices
Look for a donation or reuse option that accepts the device in its current condition. Ask whether the recipient can use it as-is or refurbish it, and whether it accepts accessories and batteries.
For devices that cannot reasonably be reused
Use a local collection program, a manufacturer or retailer take-back option, or another suitable recycling route. Confirm acceptance before handing over the item; not every program takes every device or component.
Rank #2
- Mail-back recycling program includes PRE-PAID RETURN SHIPPING
- Recycle kit includes everything needed to properly and safely dispose of electronic waste
- Fill the kit with used electronics, computers, tv's, phones, etc., seal and ship
- Certificate of recycling available online after processing
- Note: Please return the filled recycling kit within 12 months of purchase to ensure proper processing and compliance with environmental requlations.
Prepare electronics safely before handoff
- Back up anything you need. Save personal files before donation or recycling.
- Delete personal information. The EPA advises consumers to remove personal information before donating or recycling electronics. The exact method depends on the device; do not assume a generic factory reset guarantees secure data destruction for every model.
- Remove batteries where possible. Batteries may require a separate collection stream. Ask the local program how to handle batteries that cannot be removed.
- Keep lithium-ion batteries and devices containing them out of household bins. The EPA says they should not go in household garbage or recycling bins. Follow local instructions for their separate collection; do not puncture or disassemble a battery.
- Confirm the handoff details. Check acceptance, drop-off or take-back arrangements, any fees, and the provider’s handling of data and batteries.
These preparation recommendations are in the EPA’s consumer guidance.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →What should organizations look for in an electronics recycler?
For businesses, governments, and large purchasers, the EPA recommends using a certified electronics recycler. It identifies two accredited U.S. certification standards: Responsible Recycling (R2) and e-Stewards. The EPA says accredited, independent third-party audits assess practices involving environmental protection, worker health and safety, security, downstream material management, and destruction of data on used electronics. Certification is a screening signal, not a guarantee that a provider’s services or contract terms meet every organization’s needs. See the EPA’s Certified Electronics Recyclers page.
Rank #3
- Veolia 191 U-Tube, HID Lamp Recycling Box
Before contracting, verify current certification directly and review the provider’s specific service scope, custody procedures, data-security documentation, downstream handling, geographic coverage, charges, and contract terms. The EPA’s 2016 implementation study found the R2 and e-Stewards programs generally well implemented while identifying opportunities for improvement; it is not a current audit of any individual recycler. The study is available at Implementation Study of R2 and e-Stewards Certification Programs.
How to compare local collection or take-back options
When more than one option is available, compare the details that affect your item and your needs. These are questions to ask providers, not services every program necessarily offers.
| What to compare | Question to ask |
|---|---|
| Item acceptance | Does the program accept this device category, its accessories, and removable or embedded batteries? |
| Reuse or material recovery | Could a usable device be refurbished or donated, or will it go directly to material processing? |
| Data handling | What deletion or destruction service is provided, how is it documented, and who has custody of the device? |
| Certification and downstream handling | Where relevant, is the recycler currently certified under R2 or e-Stewards, and how are downstream materials managed? |
| Convenience and terms | Is the service drop-off, take-back, or mail-in? What area does it serve, are there charges, and what business contract requirements apply? |
What the available U.S. e-waste figures do—and do not—tell you
EPA’s December 2024 infrastructure assessment reported 6.7 million tons of U.S. electronic waste generated and 16 percent captured for recycling, citing recent data. These are figures reported in that assessment, not a measurement for 2026. The report also counted 25 states and the District of Columbia with statewide e-waste legislation; requirements may change, so check current state and local rules rather than treating that count as a current legal checklist. See the EPA infrastructure and economic study of the U.S. electronics recycling system.
The EPA’s household electronics page also reports older U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) estimates from 2006: recycling one million laptops saves energy equivalent to the annual electricity use of more than 3,500 U.S. homes; recycling one million cell phones can recover 35,000 pounds of copper, 772 pounds of silver, 75 pounds of gold, and 33 pounds of palladium. These historical estimates illustrate potential resource and energy benefits, not current universal performance guarantees. The EPA page was last updated December 19, 2025.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Kit Capacity -- Easily Recycle 61 x T12 Straight Lamps or 132 x T8 Fluorescent LED lights in this 4 Foot Jumbo kit.
- Easy Recycling Process -- You will receive a box with a prepaid return label. Just drop your fluorescent tubes in the box, attach the label, and send for recycling - no stress or extra fees.
- Prevention of Landfill Disposal -- Recycling makes sure that lamps don't end up in landfills. This prevents dangerous materials such as mercury from getting into the environment and helps keep our ecosystems safe.
- Be a Part of Something Bigger -- Recycling your Lamps isn't just responsibility – it's a step towards a circular economy. By doing your part, you're helping to conserve valuable resources and lessen the demand for new materials.
- Recycling You Can Trust -- We are certified recycling experts who share our dedication to the environment. Your lamps will be handled responsibly, reducing the negative impact of improper disposal.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
