You probably have old electronics lying around that you don’t use anymore. These devices can take up space and might even be harmful if thrown away the wrong way.
Recycling your old electronics helps protect the environment and keeps harmful materials out of landfills. It’s a simple step that can make a big difference for your home and your community.
Old smartphones
If you have old smartphones lying around, recycling them is a smart move. You can find places nearby or use programs that even send you free shipping labels.
Recycling your phone helps keep harmful materials out of landfills. Plus, many services make sure your personal data is erased before recycling.
Broken laptops
If you have a broken laptop, it’s best to recycle it instead of just throwing it away. Laptops contain parts that can be harmful to the environment if not handled properly.
Before recycling, back up important files and remove the hard drive if you can. Many stores like Best Buy accept broken laptops for recycling. This keeps your data safe and helps the planet.
Flat-screen TVs
If you have an old flat-screen TV, don’t just toss it out. Many places, like Best Buy, take TVs that are 50 inches or smaller for recycling.
Recycling your TV helps keep harmful materials out of landfills. Plus, they often reuse valuable parts.
You can usually drop it off for free, making it easy to do the right thing with your old screen.
Used tablets

If you have an old tablet lying around, it’s a good idea to recycle it. Tablets contain valuable materials that shouldn’t end up in the trash.
Recycling your tablet helps keep harmful chemicals out of the environment. Many stores like Best Buy accept used tablets for recycling or trade-in.
You can also find local programs that take old electronics. It’s an easy way to get rid of your tablet responsibly.
Non-working desktop computers
If you have an old desktop that won’t turn on, don’t just toss it. You can recycle it to recover valuable parts and materials.
Make sure to wipe your data before recycling, so your personal info stays safe. Many stores and programs take these computers for free.
Old gaming consoles
If you have old gaming consoles sitting around, recycling them is a smart move. These devices contain metals like gold and copper that can be reused.
You can return newer models to the manufacturer or try trade-in programs at big retailers. Some places even offer cash or gift cards for your old gear.
Don’t just toss them in the trash—recycling helps keep these materials out of landfills and gives your old consoles a new life.
Damaged printers
If your printer is broken and won’t work anymore, it’s time to recycle it. Printers have parts that can harm the environment if thrown in the trash.
Many places, like local recycling centers, accept old printers. Recycling helps keep harmful materials out of the landfill and lets valuable parts be reused.
Don’t forget to remove any cartridges before recycling. Some stores also take them for safe recycling.
Outdated routers
If you have an old router lying around, it’s a good idea to recycle it instead of tossing it. Many stores like Best Buy or Staples take old routers for proper recycling.
Recycling helps keep harmful materials out of the trash. You might even get a small discount on a new router when you drop off your old one.
Dead cell phones
If you have old dead cell phones, don’t just toss them in the trash. They contain materials that can be harmful to the environment.
You can recycle them for free at places like Call2Recycle or local drop-off points. Some programs even let you mail your phone in with a prepaid label.
Recycling your phone helps keep toxic stuff out of landfills and can give parts a second life.
Old radios
You might have old radios lying around that you don’t use anymore. These can contain parts that are harmful if thrown in the trash.
Recycling your old radios helps keep those parts out of landfills. Stores like Best Buy often accept radios for recycling.
If your radio still works, some places might even offer trade-in deals you can use toward new gadgets.