If you've got an old laptop or printer gathering dust in a closet, you're not alone. A recent CNET survey found that nearly a third of US adults are still hanging onto outdated electronics because they don't know what to do with them. And while tossing tech in the trash might seem like the easiest option, it's illegal in many states and could land you a fine.
The good news? Recycling your old devices is easier than ever. Major retailers like Best Buy, Staples and Office Depot accept laptops, desktops, printers, and other electronics, often at no cost. Some stores will even give you store credit or discounts when you trade in eligible devices.
Clearing out your unused 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 recycling an old computer
Wherever you choose to 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 old computers and printers
Some retail stores will accept computers and printers for recycling, but it's not always a free service. Policies vary by company.
Apple Store
You can recycle your old Apple computers, monitors and peripherals, such as printers, for free at an Apple store, but there's a costly catch. According to the Apple Free Recycling program, you must also purchase a qualifying Apple computer or monitor to receive this service. Need another option? A third-party company called Gazelle buys old MacBooks to recycle them. After accepting Gazelle's offer, you print a prepaid label or request a prepaid box and ship the machine to them.
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