Clear Out Your Technology Graveyard: Where to Recycle Old Tech
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I’ll be honest, I’m doing a bit of a shortcut for the blog this week. So many people have asked how to responsibly dispose of the mountain that is their technology graveyard that I’m focusing this week’s post on a list of national recycling resources (apologies to my global friends, most of them are US only.)
Most houses I’ve been in, including those of friends, family and clients have some sort of technology graveyard. You know, that place where the old tech that you want to get rid of but don’t know what to do with goes. Through the decades we’ve become more and more tech dependent while at the same time churning out new iterations faster and faster. The old stuff becomes obsolete so much faster than it used to. That may be good news for the bottom lines of tech companies but it’s not great for your graveyard situation!
Below is a list of tech recycling resources available all across the US. I’ve included what each one accepts, what their limits are and how to use the program. I’ve also included links! My advice is to treat your tech recycling as its own decluttering project. Gather it up from all of its hiding places around your home and do one big recycle run using whichever program makes the most sense for you. RIP Technology Graveyard!
Where To recycle
Best Buy
Accepts: TVs, computers, printers, tablets, phones, cords, DVD/VCR players, audio equipment, gaming consoles, and more.
Limitations:
Limit of 3 items per household per day.
Some items (like TVs or monitors) may require a recycling fee.
Special Programs:
Trade-in program for store credit.
Haul-away service when you buy a new appliance/TV.
How to Use: Drop off at customer service desk. Use their online tool to check item eligibility and fees
Link: Best Buy Recycling
Staples
Accepts: Computers, monitors, keyboards, phones, tablets, shredders, routers, batteries, and ink/toner cartridges.
Limitations: No TVs or large appliances.
Special Programs: Trade-in for rewards. Business customers can schedule pickups.
How to Use: Drop off at the store
Link: Staples Recycling Info
Goodwill/ Dell Reconnect
Accepts: Any brand of computer equipment and accessories.
How to Use: Drop off at participating Goodwill locations. Dell handles recycling.
Link: Dell Reconnect
Apple Trade In/Recycling
Accepts: Apple devices (iPhones, iPads, Macs, Watches) and other brands.
Special Programs: Credit toward new purchase or free mail-in recycling.
How to Use: Start online and they’ll send you a prepaid mailer.
Link: Apple Trade In
Quick Tips
Follow the below advice when cleaning out your technology graveyard. Make sure to wipe your data off of any device where it resides. You can easily Google instructions if you’re unsure how. If you are able, do a factory-reset before recycling.
Most programs don’t charge you with the exception of larger items like CRT monitors. Do your research before you head over to drop anything off.
Please don’t curb it. Electronics should never go in your regular trash or curbside bin. Oh, and don’t forget to also get rid of any boxes you kept because they were ‘so nice’!
I am frankly exhausted from a truly busy week of getting my dad ready to move, having houseguests to stay, doing my last training runs before my Half Marathon and client sessions. I hope this post is helpful to you in clearing your own Technology Graveyard – I’ll be back with a regular blog post next week!
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