FAQ
How do I dispose of old electronics?
Best Buy accepts TVs, computers, and small electronics for free at all locations (paid drop-off 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, Dropcurb picks up computer monitors for $99, TVs under 42" for $99, and TVs 42"+ for $149 — all-in pricing, nothing added at checkout.
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 42") | Free | No | Free | $99 |
| TV (42"+) | $29.99 | No | Free | $149 |
| 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. All-in pricing — certified e-waste handling is included in the number you see.
TVs under 42": $99 first, +$39 each additional. TVs 42"+: $149 first, +$59 each additional. Computer monitors: $99 first, +$39 each additional. Computers/printers: $79–$99 first item depending on type.
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.