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Declutter Your Home Responsibly: Sustainable Options for Recycling Old Computers and Printers
Eliminating outdated electronics can be a challenge. If you have old laptops, desktops, or printers taking up space, sustainable disposal options are available. Spring cleaning provides an opportune moment to address electronic waste responsibly and find suitable recycling solutions for your unwanted tech devices.
Globally, electronic waste, or e-waste, is a growing concern. A UN report from last year indicated that the amount of discarded electronic gadgets worldwide is five times greater than the amount being recycled. Improper disposal of old devices is often against regulations and can result in significant penalties in certain jurisdictions.
Recycling computers and printers can be straightforward, with major retailers such as Best Buy, Office Depot, and Staples offering convenient drop-off programs. Some retailers may even offer store credit when you recycle your used electronics.
Here’s what you should know about recycling your obsolete technology. For information on mobile phone recycling, explore additional resources.
Preparing Your Computer for Recycling
Prior to taking or shipping your devices for recycling, it is crucial to protect your personal information by securely removing data. Performing a factory reset on your computer is a recommended method for data removal. Consult online guides for step-by-step instructions on completing a factory reset.
Computer and Printer Recycling Programs at Retailers
Several retail chains provide recycling services for computers and printers, though service availability and costs may differ. It’s important to check the specific policies of each retailer.
Apple Recycling Program
Apple facilitates free recycling for its old computers, monitors, and peripherals, including printers, at Apple Store locations. However, this service typically requires the purchase of a new qualifying Apple computer or display. Alternatively, third-party companies like Gazelle purchase used MacBooks for recycling. Gazelle provides a quotation, and upon acceptance, offers a prepaid shipping label or box to send in your device.
Best Buy Recycling Program
Best Buy generally accepts up to three household electronic items per day per household for complimentary recycling. This includes desktop computers, printers, e-readers, and even vacuum cleaners. For laptops, the limit is higher, allowing up to five per household daily. Monitor recycling policies and associated fees can vary by state. Best Buy also provides a mail-in recycling program for select items, but this is a paid service. Small boxes (up to 6 pounds) are priced at $23, and larger boxes (up to 15 pounds) are $30.
Office Depot and OfficeMax Recycling
Office Depot and OfficeMax, now merged, provide a tech trade-in program, both in stores and online. This program may allow you to receive a store gift card in exchange for eligible old computers and printers. If your device lacks trade-in value, the company offers free recycling. Office Depot also sells specialized tech recycling boxes in small, medium, and large sizes for purchase. Customers can fill these boxes with electronics for recycling and drop them off at participating stores. Small boxes (up to 20 pounds) are priced at $8.39, medium boxes (up to 40 pounds) at $18.29, and large boxes (up to 60 pounds) at $28.
Staples Recycling Service
Staples accepts a range of items for free recycling at their checkout counters, including desktop computers, laptops, and printers, regardless of purchase origin. Staples also offers a complimentary at-home battery recycling box program. According to a Staples representative, this initiative has significantly increased battery recycling rates, from an average of 50 to thousands per week. A comprehensive list of recyclable items at Staples is available online.
Locating Electronics Recycling Centers
If major retailers are not conveniently accessible, or if you prefer utilizing dedicated recycling facilities, online search tools from organizations like Earth911 and the Consumer Technology Association can help you find nearby electronics recycling centers.
Earth911 Recycling Search
Utilize the recycling center search tool on the Earth911 website to identify local facilities that accept laptops, desktops, and printers based on your ZIP code. Be aware that search results may include locations that handle mobile phones but not necessarily computers or printers, so filtering may be required.
Greener Gadgets Recycling Locator
Consult the Consumer Technology Association’s Greener Gadgets Recycle Locator to find local recycling centers in your area that process outdated electronics. The search tool offers filtering options to specifically locate facilities for computers or printers.