Computer Disposal Cost: What You'll Actually Pay [2026]

Computer disposal costs $0 for most people — more free options exist for computers than almost any other household item. Here is what each method costs:

Best Buy accepts desktops, laptops, and tablets for free recycling at all store locations. You can drop off up to 3 items per household per day (5 for laptops). No purchase required, any brand accepted. The only exception is CRT monitors, which cost $29.99 to recycle in most states.

Staples offers free tech recycling at store locations. They accept computers, laptops, and peripherals. No purchase necessary.

Dell Reconnect is a partnership with Goodwill. Drop off any brand of computer at participating Goodwill locations for free recycling. Dell handles the recycling, Goodwill gets a portion of the proceeds. This is available at Goodwill locations in most states.

Manufacturer trade-in programs can actually pay you. Dell offers free recycling for up to 25 devices (any brand) plus trade-in credit toward new Dell purchases. Apple Trade In gives credit for qualifying Macs — even old ones may have some value. If a device has no trade-in value, Apple recycles it for free. HP recycles HP products at no charge.

E-waste recyclers vary. E-Tech Recyclers in Colorado Springs pays $0.22 per pound for complete computers — a 15-pound desktop earns you about $3.30. Other recyclers charge fees, especially for monitors ($10-30). Always call ahead to confirm pricing.

Junk removal companies charge $60-200 for electronics disposal. LoadUp starts at $70+ for single items. 1-800-GOT-JUNK charges a minimum of $100-150.

Monitor disposal is the tricky part. Flat-screen LCD monitors are typically accepted free at the same locations that take computers. CRT monitors (the old bulky ones) are a different story:

• •Best Buy charges $29.99 per CRT monitor for recycling. In Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and Michigan, they charge the fee but give you a $30 Best Buy gift card — effectively making it free

• •California charges a state-mandated recycling fee on video display purchases ($5-$7 based on screen size), which funds free CRT recycling at certified e-waste collectors

• •25 states plus Washington D.C. have e-waste laws that require free recycling options for residents

• •CRT monitors contain 4-5 pounds of lead on average and are classified as hazardous waste — they cannot go in regular trash in most states

• •Jacksonville, FL limits CRT monitors to 3 per visit at household hazardous waste events

If you have an old CRT monitor, check whether your state has an e-waste law that requires free recycling. Many do.

Yes — always wipe your hard drive before disposing of any computer. Your computer contains passwords, financial data, photos, and personal information. Here is how to do it:

• •Windows: Use the built-in Reset feature (Settings > System > Recovery > Reset this PC > Remove everything)

• •Mac: Erase All Content and Settings (Apple menu > System Settings > General > Transfer or Reset)

• •If the computer does not turn on, physically remove the hard drive and destroy it. A drill through the platters works. Or bring it to Best Buy — their recycling program includes data destruction

• •For SSDs, use the manufacturer's secure erase tool or the built-in OS reset

Best Buy, Dell Reconnect, and most certified recyclers include data destruction as part of their recycling process. If data security is your main concern, these programs are your safest bet.

Where to dispose of a computer in major cities:

New York City: Drop off at any SAFE (Solvents, Automotive, Flammables, Electronics) disposal event or DSNY Electronics Drop-Off Sites. Free for NYC residents.

Philadelphia: Electronics accepted free at sanitation convenience centers Monday through Saturday. Includes computers, monitors, printers, and peripherals.

Chicago: Free household chemicals and computer recycling events held at rotating locations. Check chicagorecycles.org for the schedule.

Los Angeles: Free e-waste collection at S.A.F.E. (Solvents, Automotive, Flammables, Electronics) Centers and mobile collection events. Open Saturday 9 AM-3 PM.

Houston: Drop off electronics at the Environmental Service Center. Free for Houston residents.

Seattle: Electronics accepted at transfer stations. Seattle also has multiple private e-waste recyclers that accept computers for free.

The cheapest way to get rid of an old computer:

• •Drop it off at Best Buy, Staples, or Goodwill (Dell Reconnect) — free, no appointment

• •Check manufacturer trade-in programs first — Dell, Apple, HP, and Microsoft may give you credit toward a new device

• •Sell working laptops on eBay, Facebook Marketplace, or Swappa — even old laptops have resale value for parts

• •Check if your state has free e-waste recycling — 25 states plus D.C. require it

• •Take to a scrap recycler — some pay by the pound for complete computers

• •Bundle with other items — if you have computers plus furniture or appliances to remove, Dropcurb at $79 per item is faster than making multiple trips