Tossing your old printers and laptops in the trash is not only bad for the environment; it can even be illegal. It's no wonder a CNET survey found that nearly a third of us have old, unused tech sitting in our closets and basements. The good news is that recycling your e-waste is simpler than you might think.
You don't have to hunt down a special facility; major retailers like Best Buy and Staples make it incredibly convenient to recycle your old tech. Most will take laptops, printers and other computer accessories off your hands for free. Plus, some stores even offer trade-in programs that can get you a gift card or a discount on new gear, making it a win-win for both you and the planet.
Don't miss any of our unbiased tech content and lab-based reviews. Add CNET as a preferred Google source on Chrome.
Clearing out used tech not only frees up space in your home, but also keeps harmful components out of landfills. So if you've been holding onto gear you haven't used in years, now's the time to let it go the right way.
Here's what you need to know about recycling your old tech. For more, learn how to recycle your old phones.
What to do before you recycle your old computer
Wherever you take or mail in your items to be recycled, you'll want to protect your data by removing it as best you can. One way to do this is to perform a factory reset on your computer. Our guide walks you through the process.
Where to recycle your old printers and computers
Some retail stores will accept computers and printers for recycling, but it's not always a free service. Policies vary by company.
Apple
... continue reading