FAQ
How do I dispose of old electronics?
Best Buy accepts TVs, computers, and small electronics for free at all locations (fee for large TVs). Municipal e-waste drop-off events are free and take everything. Staples has free recycling kiosks for small electronics. For same-day at-home pickup of TVs, monitors, and computers, Dropcurb charges $79 plus a $20 e-waste recycling fee.
Electronics cannot go in the trash in most states. They contain lead, mercury, cadmium, and lithium that contaminate groundwater when landfilled. 25 states have laws explicitly prohibiting e-waste in landfills, and most others have guidelines against it. Here's every option for responsible disposal.
Free drop-off options — by retailer:
Best Buy (most reliable nationwide option)
Accepts at all retail locations: computers, laptops, tablets, phones, monitors, cables, cords, batteries, ink cartridges, DVDs, CDs.
Accepts with a fee: TVs 50 inches and larger ($29.99 fee); CRT TVs and monitors (all sizes, $29.99 fee).
Small TVs under 50 inches: accepted free.
No quantity limits for most items. No appointment needed — bring to the customer service desk.
Staples
Free recycling kiosks at most locations accept: laptops, tablets, phones, chargers, cables, USB drives, ink cartridges, batteries.
Does not accept: TVs, monitors, large desktop towers.
Kiosk self-service, no interaction required.
Apple Store
Any Apple device accepted for free recycling or trade-in (trade-in has value, recycling is free regardless of condition).
Best option for old iPhones, iPads, MacBooks, and Apple Watch.
manufacturer take-back programs:
Dell, HP, Samsung, Sony, LG, and most major brands have mail-in recycling programs. Often free, especially for their own brand items. Search "[brand name] product recycling" for the specific program.
Municipal e-waste collection events
Most cities host free e-waste collection days 2–4 times per year. These accept everything — TVs, computers, monitors, microwaves, phones, cables, batteries, all sizes and brands. No fees. Find them by searching "[your city] e-waste recycling event" or calling your waste management department.
Earth911.com — the most comprehensive database of drop-off locations. Enter your item type and zip code to find the nearest accepted drop-off point.
What you can drop off where:
| Item | Best Buy | Staples | Municipal Event | Dropcurb |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TV (under 50") | Free | No | Free | $99 ($79 + $20 fee) |
| TV (50"+) | $29.99 | No | Free | $99 |
| Computer / desktop | Free | Free | Free | $99 |
| Laptop | Free | Free | Free | $79 |
| Monitor | Free | No | Free | $99 |
| Printer | Free | No | Free | $79 |
| Phone / tablet | Free | Free | Free | Included with other items |
| Cables / accessories | Free | Free | Free | Included |
Dropcurb electronics pickup:
Dropcurb picks up TVs, computers, monitors, and printers at home — no trip to a retailer or event required. Pricing includes a $20 e-waste recycling surcharge that covers certified disposal.
TVs and monitors: $79 + $20 e-waste fee = $99 for first item. Each additional +$29.
Computers/printers without monitor: $79 first item. Each additional +$19.
Best for: people with multiple electronics, limited transportation, or who want everything picked up at once alongside furniture or appliances.
Data security before recycling — do this first:
- Phones and tablets: Factory reset via Settings. For iPhones, "Erase All Content and Settings." For Android, "Factory Reset" in Settings > General Management.
- Computers: Use DBAN (Darik's Boot and Nuke) for hard drives — free bootable software that overwrites all data. For SSDs, use the manufacturer's secure erase tool or the built-in option in Windows (Reset this PC > Remove everything > Clean drive) or macOS (Disk Utility > Erase).
- Physically destroying a hard drive: Remove the drive, drill through it, or use a hammer on the platters. Primitive but effective for sensitive data.
- Remove all SIM cards and memory cards from phones and tablets before recycling.
State e-waste laws:
25+ states prohibit landfill disposal of electronics, including CA, CO, FL, GA, IN, NC, OK, OR, SC, TN, TX, UT, WA. In these states, putting a TV or computer in the regular trash is technically illegal and can result in fines at transfer stations.