There are a number of stores and other locations that accept old electronics for recycling.
Do you have a stash of old cell phones, laptop batteries and stereo equipment (maybe even a computer or two) lying around in a closet somewhere? Many of us do. They’re items we paid good money for and cherished after we first bought them. But now? All that stuff is embarrassingly obsolete, if not just plain broken. (Like that iPod you bought back in 2002, when “small as a deck of cards” was a selling point. Ah, those were the days!)
Most of us can’t stand the thought of throwing electronics away. Not only is electronic waste bad for the environment, but also the very notion of tossing a $1,200 laptop in the garbage can alongside your coffee grounds seems wrong.
So, what to do? Luckily, there are a number of stores and other locations that accept old electronics for recycling. Here’s a rundown of some of the most popular ones:
- The Salvation Army — The next time you have some clothes or furniture to donate, bring along your old computer. If it’s working, just be sure you clear off the hard drive first, because it’ll probably be resold. (If it’s not working, it might still be sold for parts.)
- Staples — This ubiquitous office supply store accepts rechargeable and NiCd batteries, CRT computer monitors, computers, electronics, inkjet printer cartridges, laser toner cartridges and cell phones.
- Best Buy — Wherever you see its yellow sign, you can drop off TVs, CRT computer monitors, DVD players, cameras, computers, stereos, inkjet cartridges, batteries and cell phones. Best Buy even has kiosks inside the front door of each store to make the process easier.
- Office Depot — Another familiar sight in many a strip mall, Office Depot will take your rechargeable and NiCd batteries, CRT computer monitors, computers, miscellaneous electronics, inkjet printer cartridges, laser toner cartridges, cell phones and TVs.
To find the location nearest you, try a search on 1800recycling.com. Good luck, and happy recycling!
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Joanne
November 30th, 2009
I am looking to recycle vcr tapes –I live in cook county il/ otherwise my daughter lives in dupage county.
I just do not want to put them in the trash
what is your suggestion
gail smith
December 1st, 2009
looking for a place to recycle vcr tape and needles (I give myself shots)
Si Robins
December 3rd, 2009
Hi Gail,
You can find a location near you to recycle your old VHS tapes by going to the 1-800-RECYCLING.com homepage and selecting “Electronics” on the locations search. Under the materials you’ll see VHS Cassette Tapes.
As for a place to drop off needles, click on “Hazardous” in the locations search, and you’ll find Needles/Medical Sharps.
Let us know if you have any further questions!
Kathy Gallo
December 5th, 2009
I am looking to donate or recycle my microwave. It is 4 years old and stainless steel, it was expensive and I really think it just has a blown fuse. If it is repairable, I would be happy to donate it to be repaired and donated to someone in need. If not worth repairing (which I doubt) then I would like to recycle it. I am having a hard time finding a free place to recycle it and I want to be responsible but honestly I could not afford to fix it (at least $80 to have someone look at it) or pay for recycling ($20-$100). Thanks for your help!
James Raymond
January 1st, 2010
James Raymond…
What made you want to write on Where to Recycle Electronics | 1-800-Recycling? I was wondering, because I have been thinking about this since last Friday!…
Kristine
January 12th, 2010
You can recycle VHS tapes at ACT (Alternative Comp Training). They are a non-profit company that gives jobs to people w/disabilities.
2200 Burlington, Columbia, Missouri, 65202
You can recylce CD’s & DVD’s by going to http://www.cdrecyclingforfree.com
Back Thru the Future, 150 Main St., Ogdensburg, NJ, 07439