Where Can You Recycle Laptops + Computers Safely?

You’ve probably heard how detrimental electronic waste is and may be wondering, “Where can you recycle laptops and computers?” We’ve got you, so no worries. We’ll tell you the easiest way to get rid of that old laptop, old computer, or other electronic devices in the best way for the environment and your security.

Can You Recycle Laptops?

Yes, you can indeed recycle laptops. But, don’t just go through it into your recycling bin. Recycling your old devices the correct way helps reduce e-waste. Since most of us get new cell phones at the drop of a hat, it is important to discard the old ones in a way that is safe. 

You may also want to consider learning more about eco-friendly phone cases.

Did you know that we as Americans throw away over 100 million cell phones in the trash every single year? When it comes to unwanted laptops and other electronic equipment only 13% of these items are recycled in the appropriate way. When we recently asked some of our friends who admitted that they did not safely recycle their laptops, they said that they were worried about their personal information being accessed.

We are going to show you that you can not only recycle your laptops, but you can recycle most electronic products and keep your personal data private and untouched.

How to Save and Protect Your Data

First, the question many people are concerned about is about data destruction! Yeah, we get it. There is nothing scarier than not knowing what you are putting out into the world when you hand off your old electronics. 

1. Backup Your Information

Let’s assume your device is still working. You got a new computer, new laptop, or a fancy new cell phone, and you want to get rid of the old one. Maybe you are selling it! Hey, great! We will give you some outlets to do so. Either way, you need to get your important and personal stuff out of it. 

If you are a Google person, hey-hey, then most of what you have is backed up. Your photos, your emails, your contacts in Google, and if you are using your Google Drive as storage, then you are good to go. 

If you have not backed anything up, this is your chance to do so. Whether you want to dump everything on your Google Drive, or OneDrive, do it now. You can also use an external hard drive to back up your information and files to your new device.

2. Go Back to Factory Settings

Unsure how to do a factory reset? Go to the search area in your control panel and type in: factory reset. The result may say, “Reset this PC” or “Go to Factory Settings.” This takes your device back to what it was when it left the electronic manufacturers. 

3. Destroy the Damn Thing!

Ok, now here us out. We know people who have taken sledgehammers to their desktop computers or laptops to really take that sensitive data down to scrap metal themselves. Wait, don’t do that. There are many toxic substances, harmful materials and safety hazards in computer equipment. We haven’t even talked about the heavy metals that are in the air, ground, or wherever you are taking that thing down. 

Destroying it is a great idea, but leave it to the professionals like Shred-it. They have services that will destroy your hard drive in a safe way. 

How to Recycle Your Laptop

If your laptop works, then sell it! You have already removed your data and it is set to factory settings, so sell the device. Check the going rate for your device and see where you can maximize your return. Plus, it is great to give your old tech a second life. 

Here are some options for selling your laptop

• EBay– Search for the make/model of your item under the previously sold consumer electronics. If you like what you see, that may be your best option. 
• Facebook Marketplace– Same as eBay. It is best to see what your item will go for, but it is also easy if someone local buys it. They can check it out and take it off of your hands for some cash, saving you the shipping hassle.
• SellBroke.com– this website allows you to get a quote for your item and you can decide if you want to move forward. We sold a laptop that was barely turning on, did not work, and clearly, this company was interested in it for having parts of a laptop. Who cares!? We made some cash and our item was recycled the correct way. 
• CashForUsedLaptop.com– this website also gives you a quote for your laptops, tablets, and phones. We used this for two phones and a laptop. This was the best option for us financially. 

Here are options for recycling your laptop

• Recycling Center– You can find a recycling center in the United States using the Greener Gadgets Recycle Locator. This locator can be used to recycle any electronic equipment, including video equipment, fax machines, computer monitors, and so much more. Have rechargeable batteries or other batteries, even e-bike batteries, use Call2Recycle to find a recycling center near you by zip code. 
• Staples– Staples has recycling services at their stores. You can find more information about how Recycling Day is Every Day at Staples. When you are recycling your computer and old phone, take your toner cartridges and ink cartridges. 
• Best Buy– We have used Best Buy many times to recycle large appliances as well as electronics so we do not contribute to the hazardous waste in the landfill. You can find all of the items they accept as you peruse through the Electronics and Appliances Recycling at Best Buy. 
• Domestic Abuse Shelters– Many shelters that help victims of domestic abuse will accept mobile phones and have drop-off locations at Police Stations. Check your local area to see if this applies to you. It is a great way to have your phones and other electronic items used for such a great cause. 
• Check with your City/Town- There are some towns and cities that offer pick-ups or drop-offs of electronics. Ask them if they have a regular collection schedule you should know about. 

Consider Purchasing Sustainable Electronics

As we have talked about with our lifestyle choices, it is important to do your research on the items you purchase. During our entire year of No-Buy, we considered the quality of many things we had in our sphere. Each time we need new products, we want to purchase used items so we can reduce our negative contribution to the circular economy. 

Purchase sustainable electronics or items that will last. The University of Michigan has information on finding environmentally friendly electronics. Trade-in programs are a good idea to also reduce e-waste. 

FAQs | Frequently Asked Questions