Where to recycle your used and unwanted devices.
Here are various alternatives for recycling your old electronic devices, including national programs, state-specific initiatives, and options offered by stores.
The electronic devices we acquire not only impact our wallets but also generate a significant environmental cost. Each phone or laptop is made up of a mix of non-compostable metal and plastic, and every new generation requires the extraction of more rare metals. Additionally, the manufacturing and shipping of these devices demand human resources, water, and fuel. Fortunately, recycling old devices can help mitigate this environmental burden.
There are various options for responsibly disposing of these devices, thanks to initiatives from companies and governments that promote recycling. You can choose to take products to a recycling center, drop them off at a store, or even send them by mail. Below are some options for recycling old devices.
In the United States, there is no federal law regulating electronic recycling, so most people rely on retail chains to dispose of their devices.
Best Buy has over 1,000 stores where customers can drop off their items at the customer service counter for recycling. Starting in 2025, they will also offer a mail-in option, allowing you to purchase boxes to send your devices, although fees apply to certain items, like televisions. Best Buy accepts some brands of TVs at no cost but limits the number of devices that can be recycled to three per household per day.
Staples allows customers to bring up to seven products to the counter for recycling but does not accept televisions. They also have a mail-in program where you can buy boxes to send your devices.
Office Depot and OfficeMax do not offer free recycling, but they accept phones, batteries, and ink cartridges for free. To recycle other devices, you will need to purchase a recycling box, which varies in price based on its size.
Stores like Home Depot and Lowe’s provide drop-off points for rechargeable batteries, phones, and CFL bulbs at more than 3,000 locations. Target also has electronic waste containers near the entrances of their stores.
If you cannot reach a retail location, many brands have recycling programs for their products. Amazon, for example, allows you to return products from its line through a free trade-in and shipping program. Apple and Dell offer similar options, allowing you to send products to their facilities for responsible disposal.
Recycling cell phones is particularly easy; there are multiple donation and recycling programs that facilitate this process, such as Call2Recycle and Cell Phones for Soldiers. The latter accepts phones in any condition and uses the funds raised to help troops.
Although there is no federal obligation to recycle, many states have established regulations requiring manufacturers to take on certain recycling costs. Almost all states with these laws offer free recycling services. Among the states with specific legislation are California, New York, and Pennsylvania, among others.
Electronic recycling is a crucial step towards reducing the environmental impact associated with technology. Making responsible decisions regarding the disposal of old devices not only benefits the environment but also fosters awareness of responsible technology use.