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Where To Recycle Computers

With so many new laptops, smartphones, netbooks, and Cheap Computers For Sale, many Americans are left wondering -- where can I recycle my old computers? This guide lists several computer recycling locations you can use to discard of your old computers, laptops, monitors and other types of electronic equipment.

Recycle Through Computer Manufacturers

One of the simplest options is to use your computer manufacturer's recycling plan. Nearly all U.S. manufacturers have recycling programs.

• Apple Recycling Program
• Dell Recycling
• Epson Recycling Program
• Gateway Trade-In Program
• Hewlett Packard Product Recycling
• IBM Equipment Removal
• Lexmark Recycling Program
• NEC Trade-In Program

It should be pointed out that some manufacturers will charge small fees for this service, some will give discounts or trade-ins, and several will require you to do the packing and shipping of the equipment yourself.

Online Computer Recycling Resources

If you don't want to use a computer manufacturer's program, then there are a couple very good online resources for finding a place near you that recycles computer equipment (or e-waste) responsibly.

• Best Buy - One of the largest retailers for electronics, Best Buy has a recycling program as well as a trade-in program for select electronics.
• Earth911.com - Search for recycling centers near you, including locations that allow for recycling computers and electronics.
• e-Stewards Recycling Program - Lists computer recycling locations that are certified by BAN*, the Basil Action Network. BAN* ensures that these locations will not export their toxic e-waste to developing countries.
• The EPA's Plug-In To eCycling - Information from the Environmental Protection Agency on recycling computers, TV's, and cell phones.

*Note: BAN, the Basel Action Network, only certifies electronics recyclers that have signed BAN's stewardship pledge, under which recyclers agree not to export e-waste or add it to a landfill, and to document where recycled equipment, components and materials go. Its list includes recyclers in all regions of the United States.

Companies That Offer Computer Recycling:

Below is a list of some of the major recycling companies capable of recycling computers.

Genesis Recycling (http://genesisrecycling.ca/)
Phone: (604) 533-2537
Note: Company who's capable of recycling all types of computers, printers, monitors, phones, and numerous other electronic components.

IBM PC Recycling Service (http://www.ibm.com/ibm/environment/products/)
Phone: (888) SHOP-IBM
Note: IBM can recycle any manufacturer's PCs, including system units, monitors, printers, and optional attachments for $29.99 which includes shipping.
Parts capable of recycling: any manufacturer's PC, monitors, printers, and optional attachments.

Back Thru The Future Microcomputers, Inc. (http://www.backthruthefuture.com/)
Phone: (408) 453-4511
Note: Back Thru The Future Microcomputers is one of the largest computer recyclers in the United States.

Total Reclaim (http://www.totalreclaim.com/)
Phone: (206) 343-7443
Note: Total Reclaim provides environmentally responsible asset reclamation and disposition services to the electronics industry. Total Reclaim is the Pacific Northwest's largest electronics recycler, handling 9,000,000 lbs of monitors, televisions, and other electronics in 2004.

United Recycling Industries (http://www.unitedrecycling.com/)
Phone: (800) 323-1574
Note: United Recycling is the environmentally safe disposal and recycling of commercial, industrial, military, and consumer electronic material. Parts capable of recycling: Computers and peripherals, cell phones, office, and telecommunication equipment, laboratory/medical equipment, and many other electronic materials.

E-Tech Recycling (http://www.etechrecycling.com/)
Phone:(503) 693-8939
Note: Company capable of recycling computers, monitors, telephones, and related equipment, and various other electronic items.

Intercon Solutions (http://www.interconrecycling.com/)
Phone: (888) 452-5642
Parts capable of recycling: All types of electronic equipment and material, including computers, printers, fax machines, modems, bridges, hubs, copy machines, consumer electronics, components, and various other types of plastic and metal.

Another matter to bear in mind when selecting a recycler is that many are not setup to accept a single computer at a time. Therefore, it is suggested that you contact your potential recycler prior to visiting to ensure that they can take in your equipment. If they can't, ask them if they know of another trustworthy recycler who can. Also, if you are looking for refurbished computer equipment or Cheap Computers For Sale, then check with places that recycle computers as they often refurbish and resell computer equipment at very good prices.

For more information on recycling computers, read our article on why you should Recycle Computer Equipment, or places to Donate Old Computers.

Also, check out this very helpful Guide To Recycling Your Electronics.