The simplest way to get rid of an old laptop, desktop computer or printer without paying is to check whether someone can reuse it, then confirm a local or manufacturer take-back option will accept it at no cost. There is no guaranteed free destination for every device: acceptance and fees depend on the item, provider and location. Before handing over a computer, back up anything you want to keep and erase your personal data.
Choose the easiest route for your device
Start with the device’s condition. A working computer may be useful to a school or nonprofit; a broken or unwanted device is more likely to need a collection program or recycler. For any route, contact the recipient or provider before traveling or shipping: ask whether it takes your exact item, whether accessories are required, and whether there is a fee.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
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Office Depot Tech Recycling Box, Large, 24" H x 18" W x 18" D | $22.32 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Tech Recycling Box, Medium, 20"H x 16"W x 16"D | $18.29 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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Veolia SUPPLY-197 Medium Electronics Recycling Box | $114.43 | Buy on Amazon |
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Electronic Scrap (2 Foot Jumbo) Recycle Kit - 22"x22"x24.75" | $190.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
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SUPPLY-192 Medium CFL Recycling Box | $143.80 | Buy on Amazon |
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If it still works, ask about reuse first
Contact a local school, library, community center, nonprofit refurbisher or charity. Describe the make and model, condition and included accessories, and ask whether that organization can use it. Reuse can extend a product’s life, but do not assume that every organization—or every branch—accepts computers or printers. The EPA’s donation and recycling guidance and the FTC’s electronics recycling guidance describe donation as an option, not a promise of acceptance.
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Look up your city or county solid-waste management office and household hazardous-waste facility. Ask about permanent drop-off locations and upcoming collection events, and confirm that they accept your specific device and whether drop-off costs anything. Local rules, accepted items and fees vary; the EPA’s local electronics recycling guidance points readers to local programs rather than guaranteeing a free service everywhere.
#1 Best Overall
- Use Office Depot's Tech Recycling Service for your broken electronics. Each year, Americans throw away millions of tons of old or broken electronics, creating potentially harmful waste known as tech trash.
- STEP #1: Choose your box size.
- STEP #2: Fill the Tech Recycling Box with as many acceptable items as will fit. Be sure the box can close with all items inside. NOTE: Please do not seal.
- STEP #3: Bring your unsealed Tech Recycling Box to any Office Depot store. A store associate will inspect your box to ensure all items are acceptable and that the box can be closed. If everything meets these guidelines, you will be asked to complete a form and the box will be accepted and shipped for recycling.
- Acceptable items include: Monitors, fax machines, desktop and laptop computers, printers, scanners, keyboards, mice, telephones, digital cameras, VCR/DVD players, televisions, cords and cables.
Check the maker or a retailer for take-back
Search the computer or printer maker’s current take-back terms, or ask an electronics retailer about its program. Options may include drop-off or mail-in service; some programs offer free mailing labels, but eligibility and cost depend on the company, device and location. For example, HP Planet Partners guidance covers HP-branded computers, monitors and printers. Check its current terms, and remember that you are responsible for deleting your data before handing over a device.
Look for a certified recycler if other routes do not fit
The EPA identifies R2 and e-Stewards as accredited electronics-recycling certification standards. Its certified electronics recycler guidance can help you find organizations to investigate, and its electronics donation and recycling resources provide additional starting points. Certification does not mean the EPA endorses a provider: check directly whether a facility accepts your item, serves your area and charges a fee.
Rank #2
- Use Office Depot's Tech Recycling Service for your broken electronics. Each year, Americans throw away millions of tons of old or broken electronics, creating potentially harmful waste known as tech trash.
- STEP #1: Choose your box size.
- STEP #2: Fill the Tech Recycling Box with as many acceptable items as will fit. Be sure the box can close with all items inside. NOTE: Please do not seal.
- STEP #3: Bring your unsealed Tech Recycling Box to any Office Depot store. A store associate will inspect your box to ensure all items are acceptable and that the box can be closed. If everything meets these guidelines, you will be asked to complete a form and the box will be accepted and shipped for recycling.
- Acceptable items include: Monitors, fax machines, desktop and laptop computers, printers, scanners, keyboards, mice, telephones, digital cameras, VCR/DVD players, televisions, cords and cables.
Compare options before you commit
| Route | Best fit | What to confirm |
|---|---|---|
| School, nonprofit or charity | Working equipment that may be reused | Whether it accepts your exact device and condition, and which accessories it needs |
| City, county or household hazardous-waste program | Devices that are not suitable for donation or reuse | Accepted device types, drop-off location or event, and any fee |
| Manufacturer or retailer take-back | Items covered by a current company program | Brand and item eligibility, drop-off or shipping terms, and whether service or a mailing label is free |
| Certified recycler | When you want a recycler operating under an accredited standard | That the facility accepts your device, serves your area and states its fees |
No option is simplest for everyone. A nearby organization that confirms it will take your device for free may be easier than shipping it; a mail-in program may be more convenient if its terms cover your item and location. Decide only after checking acceptance, travel or shipping, fees, data handling and battery instructions.
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Prepare a computer before giving it away or recycling it
- Save files you want to keep. Back up documents and photos to cloud storage, an external drive or another storage option. The FTC notes that a USB flash drive is one possible low-cost way to transfer files.
- Erase your personal information. After backing up, use the current reset or erase instructions for your operating system. The FTC advises: “Before you recycle or donate your old electronics, remember to delete any personal information you stored on the device.”
- Check the recipient’s data policy. Do not assume a donation site, take-back program or recycler will erase the drive for you. The HP guidance, for example, places data deletion responsibility on the owner.
Keep lithium-ion batteries out of household bins
The EPA says lithium-ion batteries and devices containing them should not go in household garbage or recycling bins. Check the EPA’s battery guidance and ask your local collection program how to handle the battery or device. Follow the provider’s instructions for the particular item rather than assuming it can go in a general electronics drop-off.
Quick Recap
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Rank #4
- 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.
Rank #3
- MEDIUM ELECTRONICS RECYCLING BOX
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