Zooey Liao/CNET
Look, we've all got that "graveyard" closet full of old laptops and tangled printer cables because nobody wants to deal with the hassle of properly trashing them. But in 2026, leaving computers and other tech to rot isn't just a space-waster; it's a missed opportunity to do the bare minimum for the planet without spending a dime. Most people assume they need to find some specialized government facility, but the reality is way more convenient.
Retail giants like Best Buy and Staples have turned into the unofficial dump sites for the digital age. You can literally walk in with a dead PC or an ancient inkjet and hand it over for free-no questions asked, regardless of where you originally bought it. Some of these stores will even toss you a gift card or a discount on new gear just for clearing out your clutter. It's a win-win: You get your storage space back, and they keep heavy metals out of the local landfill.
Before you drop them off, just make sure you aren't handing over your entire digital identity along with the hardware. A quick factory reset or a specialized "drive wipe" takes 10 minutes and ensures your old tax returns don't end up in the wrong hands. Stop hoarding the ghosts of technology past and let these retailers handle the dirty work of breaking them down for parts.
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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.
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Some retail stores will accept computers and printers for recycling, but it's not always a free service. Policies vary by company.
Apple
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