A public resource guide
Electronics are illegal to throw in regular trash in 25+ states, and free recycling is available almost everywhere. Here’s every legitimate option for TVs, computers, monitors, and small electronics.
Last updated: May 2026 · Maintained by Freemoval as a public resource
Electronics are banned from regular trash in 25+ U.S. states under state e-waste recycling laws. The reason: TVs, computers, and other electronics contain lead, mercury, cadmium, and other heavy metals that contaminate landfills and waste-to-energy facilities. The good news: free e-waste recycling is available in almost every U.S. city, through retailer takeback programs (Best Buy is the largest), state-mandated manufacturer programs (NY, CA, IL, others), and dedicated city facilities. Older CRT (tube) TVs are the trickiest because of leaded glass, some cities and retailers charge fees for these specifically. This guide covers every legitimate option.
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Electronics fall into a unique disposal category: they’re NOT eligible for regular trash in 25+ states (NY, CA, IL, NJ, MA, OR, WA, MN, MI, CT, MD, NC, VA, OK, and others have e-waste laws), but free recycling is widely available through multiple channels.
The challenges are: (1) CRT TVs, older tube TVs contain leaded glass and are expensive to recycle; some retailers and cities charge $10–$30 to take them. (2) Large flat-screen TVs, over 32 inches often require special handling. (3) Multiple items at once, some retailers limit to 3 items per visit. (4) Identifying the right channel, depends on item type (TV vs. computer vs. small electronics) and your location.
The simplest universal answer: Best Buy stores accept most electronics for free recycling at the customer service desk. Beyond that, state and city programs offer alternatives.
In order from most universal to most location-specific:
Best Buy In-Store Recycling (most universal)
Mostly freeBest Buy accepts most electronics for FREE in-store recycling at the customer service desk. The most universal channel in the U.S. with 1,000+ locations.
Free items: Laptops, desktops, monitors under 32 inches, printers, small electronics, batteries, ink cartridges, cables.
Limit: 3 items per household per day.
Fee items: CRT TVs and TVs over 32 inches: $30 fee each.
Bonus: Free data destruction service included, useful if you’re recycling computers with personal data.
State E-Waste Programs (Manufacturer-Funded)
Free in 25+ states25+ states have Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) laws requiring electronics manufacturers to fund free e-waste recycling. New York, California, Illinois, Massachusetts, Oregon, Washington, Minnesota, and many others.
State-mandated drop-off sites are usually FREE for residents and accept TVs, computers, monitors, printers, and other electronics, including CRT TVs that retailers often charge for.
How to find: Search “e-cycle [state name]” or check your state’s environmental agency website.
Staples In-Store Recycling
Free, computers/monitorsStaples stores accept computers, monitors, laptops, printers, and most office electronics for FREE in-store recycling. Limited to consumer electronics (no large TVs). Generally fewer item limits than Best Buy. Staples is in 1,000+ U.S. locations.
Manufacturer Takeback Programs (Apple, Dell, HP)
Free, by mailApple offers free recycling and trade-in for any Apple product (and many non-Apple products). Dell offers free home pickup for Dell products. HP offers free mail-in recycling. These programs are excellent for working older devices that have residual trade-in value.
Trade-in over recycle: Devices 5–7 years old often have $20–$200 trade-in credit. Check before recycling.
City-Specific Drop-Off Centers
Free in most citiesMost major U.S. cities operate dedicated e-waste drop-off sites or include electronics in their HHW programs. Knoxville Solid Waste Facility, Buffalo 1120 Seneca Street (5 items/year), Tucson Los Reales Sustainability Campus, San Francisco Recology Transfer Station, these are all free for residents.
Check the city section below for your local drop-off options.
Goodwill (working electronics)
Free, if workingGoodwill accepts working electronics (computers, monitors, printers, small electronics) for free at most donation centers. Most Goodwill locations also operate as e-waste drop-off sites for non-working items through partnerships with R2 (Responsible Recycling) certified recyclers.
Useful flexibility: Goodwill’s e-waste partnerships make this an unusually flexible donation channel for both working and non-working electronics.
When free options don’t fit (large CRT TVs, multiple items at once, can’t self-haul):
LoadUp paid pickup
$70+For households who can’t self-haul, have multiple electronic items at once, or want full-service in-home pickup, LoadUp offers professional electronics removal nationwide with upfront pricing. Loaders handle all lifting and route electronics to certified e-waste recyclers. Independent loaders in the marketplace handle pickup, loading, and disposal coordination.
If you can pay for a pickup, your booking helps fund free pickups for someone else. Every paid LoadUp customer can opt in to round up at checkout, and 100% of round-ups go directly to Freemoval’s subsidized jobs.
Book an electronics pickup with LoadUp → Round-up option appears at checkout. Optional, opt-in only.
CRT TV Recycling Fees
$10–$30 typicalOlder CRT (tube) TVs contain leaded glass and are expensive to recycle. Best Buy charges $30 for CRT TVs. Many cities charge $10–$30 at drop-off facilities. The fees fund proper disposal of the leaded glass.
Free alternative: If your CRT TV still works, check Goodwill or Salvation Army, they sometimes accept working CRTs free. State e-waste programs (NY, CA, IL, others) also accept CRT TVs free where Best Buy charges.
Electronics disposal rules depend heavily on your state’s e-waste law and your city’s programs. Cities in states with strong EPR laws (NY, CA, IL, MA, OR) have more free options. The summaries below show the headline rule per city, tap any city to read the full guide.
Albuquerque, NM Launching
Free curbside e-waste pickup with bulk schedule.
Free TV or electronics removal in Albuquerque →
Arlington, TX Launching
NOT in bulk. Best Buy free recycling. Sanitation Admin Bldg may accept. Texas e-waste manufacturer take-back.
Free TV or electronics removal in Arlington →
Atlanta, GA Launching
Free Center for Hard to Recycle Materials (CHaRM) drop-off.
Free TV or electronics removal in Atlanta →
Anaheim, CA Launching
North OC HHW Facility (1071 N. Blue Gum St, Anaheim, 714-834-6752, free for OC residents). Best Buy free recycling. CA e-waste law.
Free TV or electronics removal in Anaheim →
Anchorage, AK Launching
SWS HHW collection events (periodic, check muni.org/SWS). Best Buy free recycling.
Free TV or electronics removal in Anchorage →
Akron, OH Launching
Summit County Reworks (summitreworks.com). Best Buy free recycling. Ohio e-waste law applies.
Free TV or electronics removal in Akron →
Allentown, PA Launching
By appt at 641 S 10th St (call 610-437-8729). Best Buy free recycling. PA e-waste law applies.
Free TV or electronics removal in Allentown →
Aurora, CO Launching
CO BANS e-waste from landfills. At Your Door $10 includes electronics. Pedal Point events ($5/carload most). Best Buy.
Free TV or electronics removal in Aurora →
Austin, TX Launching
Free Recycle & Reuse Drop-Off Center (TVs, computers, monitors).
Free TV or electronics removal in Austin →
Augusta, GA Launching
GA e-waste law applies. Best Buy, Goodwill, or GA EPD-approved recyclers. NOT in curbside bulk.
Free TV or electronics removal in Augusta →
Bakersfield, CA Launching
CA e-waste law. Certified drop-off sites (bakersfieldcity.us). Best Buy free recycling. NOT in carts.
Free TV or electronics removal in Bakersfield →
Baltimore, MD Launching
Free at Northwest Citizens Convenience Center and other drop-offs.
Free TV or electronics removal in Baltimore →
Baton Rouge, LA Launching
Bi-annual HHW events (brla.gov). Best Buy free recycling. Louisiana e-waste law applies.
Free TV or electronics removal in Baton Rouge →
Bridgeport, CT Launching
CT E-Cycles (portal.ct.gov/DEEP). Best Buy free recycling. CT e-waste law applies. NOT in trash.
Free TV or electronics removal in Bridgeport →
Boise, ID Launching
6 free large item pickups accept electronics. Idaho e-waste law (2008). Best Buy free recycling.
Free TV or electronics removal in Boise →
Birmingham, AL Launching
Roebuck Recycling Center drop-off.
Free TV or electronics removal in Birmingham →
Boston, MA Launching
Free curbside, CRT items require special collection under MA state law.
Free TV or electronics removal in Boston →
Buffalo, NY Launching
NEVER curbside (NY state law). Drop off at 1120 Seneca Street, 5 items/year limit.
Free TV or electronics removal in Buffalo →
Camden, NJ Launching
Camden Electronics Pickup program (separate from bulk). Banned from regular trash under NJ state e-waste law. Best Buy accepts free.
Free TV or electronics removal in Camden →
Chandler, AZ Launching
Best Buy free recycling. Chandler HHW events. Some electronics at Collection Center.
Free TV or electronics removal in Chandler →
Charlotte, NC Launching
Four free Mecklenburg County drop-off centers accept electronics.
Free TV or electronics removal in Charlotte →
Cape Coral, FL Launching
Lee County HHW (239-533-8000). Best Buy free recycling. FL e-waste law applies.
Free TV or electronics removal in Cape Coral →
Chattanooga, TN Launching
Free Recycle Collection Centers across the City.
Free TV or electronics removal in Chattanooga →
Chesapeake, VA Launching
SPSA Transfer Station HHW drop-off (first Wednesday of each month). Best Buy free recycling. NOT in bulk trash or carts.
Free TV or electronics removal in Chesapeake →
Chicago, IL Launching
Sims Metal Management drop-off + retailer takeback.
Free TV or electronics removal in Chicago →
Chula Vista, CA Launching
San Diego County HHW facility. Best Buy free recycling.
Free TV or electronics removal in Chula Vista →
Cincinnati, OH Launching
Hamilton County recycling drop-off events.
Free TV or electronics removal in Cincinnati →
Colorado Springs, CO Launching
El Paso County HHW Facility (719-520-7878). Best Buy free recycling. Note: SOCO Waste does not accept electronics.
Free TV or electronics removal in Colorado Springs →
Cleveland, OH Launching
Free Ridge Road Transfer Station drop-off.
Free TV or electronics removal in Cleveland →
Columbia, SC Launching
FREE drop-off at 2910 Colonial Drive (Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri 9:30 AM-3:30 PM).
Free TV or electronics removal in Columbia →
Columbus, OH Launching
SWACO drop-off events for Franklin County residents.
Free TV or electronics removal in Columbus →
Corpus Christi, TX Launching
Best Buy free recycling. Litter Critter events may accept some electronics.
Free TV or electronics removal in Corpus Christi →
Dallas, TX Launching
McCommas Bluff Landfill and Bachman Lake Drop-Off Centers.
Free TV or electronics removal in Dallas →
Des Moines, IA Launching
MWA HHW events (mwatoday.com). Best Buy free recycling. Iowa e-waste law applies.
Free TV or electronics removal in Des Moines →
Durham, NC Launching
Durham HHW Center (free for residents). Best Buy free recycling. NOT in carts.
Free TV or electronics removal in Durham →
El Paso, TX Launching
Free drop-off at any Citizen Collection Station. Best Buy free recycling. Texas e-waste law (2007) requires manufacturer takeback.
Free TV or electronics removal in El Paso →
Denver, CO Launching
Annual electronics recycling event, check Denver Recycles.
Free TV or electronics removal in Denver →
Detroit, MI Launching
Detroit Recycles drop-off events.
Free TV or electronics removal in Detroit →
Fresno, CA Launching
Cedar Avenue Recycling and Transfer Station drop-off.
Free TV or electronics removal in Fresno →
Fayetteville / Bentonville, AR Launching
Benton County Solid Waste facility. Best Buy free recycling. AR e-waste guidance via 479-575-8398.
Free TV or electronics removal in Fayetteville / Bentonville →
Fort Wayne, IN Launching
Best Buy free. Earthworks Recycling, Inland ReTech, Recycle Techs, Goodwill NE Indiana. NOT in Tox-Away events.
Free TV or electronics removal in Fort Wayne →
Fort Worth, TX Launching
Drop-Off Station OR Environmental Collection Center (free for residents). Best Buy free recycling. NOT in monthly bulk pile.
Free TV or electronics removal in Fort Worth →
Garland, TX Launching
Best Buy free recycling. Garland Recycling Center (verify acceptance). NOT recommended in regular bulky.
Free TV or electronics removal in Garland →
Gilbert, AZ Launching
Gilbert HHW Facility (free for residents). Best Buy free recycling. NOT in regular bulk pickup.
Free TV or electronics removal in Gilbert →
Grand Rapids, MI Launching
Michigan e-waste law applies. Kent County Residential Waste Facilities (864-243-9672). Best Buy free recycling. NOT in trash.
Free TV or electronics removal in Grand Rapids →
Greensboro, NC Launching
NOT in bulk. HHW Center at 2750 Patterson Street (free for residents). Best Buy free recycling. NC e-waste landfill ban.
Free TV or electronics removal in Greensboro →
Greenville, SC Launching
SC e-waste law applies. Greenville County Residential Waste Facilities (864-243-9672). Best Buy free recycling. NOT in regular bulk.
Free TV or electronics removal in Greenville →
Hartford, CT Launching
CT state e-waste recycling at retailers (Best Buy, Staples).
Free TV or electronics removal in Hartford →
Henderson, NV Launching
Rotating Wed-Sat HHW drop-off (Henderson or Cheyenne Transfer). Best Buy free recycling. NOT in regular bulk.
Free TV or electronics removal in Henderson →
Honolulu, HI Launching
NOT in curbside or bulky. HI state e-waste manufacturer take-back. Best Buy free recycling. Convenience centers accept e-waste.
Free TV or electronics removal in Honolulu →
Houston, TX Launching
Westpark Consumer Recycling Center drop-off.
Free TV or electronics removal in Houston →
Indianapolis, IN Launching
Indianapolis ToxDrop drop-off events & retailer takeback.
Free TV or electronics removal in Indianapolis →
Irvine, CA Launching
INCLUDED in WM bulky pickup (unusual!). HHW Center at 6411 Oak Canyon. Best Buy free.
Free TV or electronics removal in Irvine →
Jackson, MS Launching
Best Buy free recycling, manufacturer takeback, or periodic city collection events. MS does not have state e-waste law.
Free TV or electronics removal in Jackson →
Jacksonville, FL Launching
HHW Facility on Commonwealth Avenue accepts electronics.
Free TV or electronics removal in Jacksonville →
Kansas City, MO Launching
Midwest Recycling Center drop-off (free, some fees apply).
Free TV or electronics removal in Kansas City →
Knoxville, TN Launching
Solid Waste Facility accepts electronics free.
Free TV or electronics removal in Knoxville →
Lakeland, FL Launching
Polk County Environmental Services HHW events. Best Buy free recycling. FL e-waste law applies.
Free TV or electronics removal in Lakeland →
Las Vegas, NV Launching
Republic Services + Clark County recycling events.
Free TV or electronics removal in Las Vegas →
Lexington, KY Launching
Electronics Recycling Center at 1306 Versailles Rd (24/7 outdoor bins). Best Buy free recycling.
Free TV or electronics removal in Lexington →
Lincoln, NE Launching
Best Buy free recycling. City HHW events (check lincoln.ne.gov for dates). Some Lincoln e-waste recyclers.
Free TV or electronics removal in Lincoln →
Long Beach, CA Launching
EDCO Recycling Center (free). Best Buy free recycling. CA e-waste law applies. NOT in Special Collection.
Free TV or electronics removal in Long Beach →
Los Angeles, CA Launching
LA Sanitation S.A.F.E. Centers drop-off.
Free TV or electronics removal in Los Angeles →
Louisville, KY Launching
Louisville Drop-Off Centers + retailer takeback.
Free TV or electronics removal in Louisville →
Madison, WI Launching
Drop-off sites (3 locations, Apr-Dec). Best Buy free recycling. WI e-waste law applies.
Free TV or electronics removal in Madison →
Lubbock, TX Launching
Best Buy free recycling. Some Citizen Convenience Stations accept electronics (verify).
Free TV or electronics removal in Lubbock →
Memphis, TN Launching
Memphis Solid Waste Convenience Centers.
Free TV or electronics removal in Memphis →
Mesa, AZ Launching
HHM Facility at 2412 N. Center St (free, Wed-Sat, closed holidays). Best Buy free recycling. NOT in barrels or bulk.
Free TV or electronics removal in Mesa →
McAllen, TX Launching
Hidalgo County HHW/e-waste events. Best Buy free recycling. TX e-waste law (2007). NOT in Brush/Bulky.
Free TV or electronics removal in McAllen →
Miami, FL Launching
Miami-Dade Trash & Recycling Centers (TRCs).
Free TV or electronics removal in Miami →
Milwaukee, WI Launching
PREPAID STICKER REQUIRED for curbside, OR Drop-Off Centers (TVs require fee).
Free TV or electronics removal in Milwaukee →
Minneapolis, MN Launching
Hennepin County Drop-Off Facilities.
Free TV or electronics removal in Minneapolis →
Nashville, TN Launching
Metro Nashville Convenience Centers.
Free TV or electronics removal in Nashville →
New Orleans, LA Launching
New Orleans recycling events.
Free TV or electronics removal in New Orleans →
New York, NY Launching
NYC e-waste curbside pickup with appointment via 311. NEVER in regular trash (NY state law).
Free TV or electronics removal in New York →
Newark, NJ Launching
Essex County recycling events.
Free TV or electronics removal in Newark →
North Las Vegas, NV Launching
Republic Services Southern Nevada Recycling Center (360 W. Cheyenne). Silver State Recycling, Nevada Recycling Center, Best Buy free.
Free TV or electronics removal in North Las Vegas →
Norfolk, VA Launching
Norfolk HHW events. Best Buy free recycling. VA e-waste manufacturer take-back. NOT in curbside or bulk.
Free TV or electronics removal in Norfolk →
Oakland, CA Launching
Free bulky pickup; Davis Street Resource Recovery Complex.
Free TV or electronics removal in Oakland →
Omaha, NE Launching
Free Spring/Fall Cleanup events accept electronics. Best Buy free recycling year-round. NE e-waste law applies.
Free TV or electronics removal in Omaha →
Oklahoma City, OK Launching
OKC Recycle & Reuse Drop-Off events.
Free TV or electronics removal in Oklahoma City →
Orlando, FL Launching
Orange County Landfill drop-off events.
Free TV or electronics removal in Orlando →
Philadelphia, PA Launching
Philadelphia Sanitation Convenience Centers (5 sites).
Free TV or electronics removal in Philadelphia →
Phoenix, AZ Launching
Phoenix Transfer Stations + retailer takeback.
Free TV or electronics removal in Phoenix →
Pittsburgh, PA Launching
Pennsylvania Resources Council collection events.
Free TV or electronics removal in Pittsburgh →
Plano, TX Launching
Dallas County Home Chemical Collection Center (free for Dallas County residents). Best Buy free recycling. NOT in bulky waste.
Free TV or electronics removal in Plano →
Portland, OR Launching
Free E-Cycle Oregon for electronics.
Free TV or electronics removal in Portland →
Providence, RI Launching
FREE curbside pickup with 24-hr notice OR free at Mattress Drop-off Center.
Free TV or electronics removal in Providence →
Provo, UT Launching
SUVSWD transfer station (518 W 3450 N, Spanish Fork). Best Buy free recycling. UT e-waste guidance at suvswd.org.
Free TV or electronics removal in Provo →
Rochester, NY Launching
BANNED from curbside by NY e-waste law. Monroe County ecopark at 10 Avion Drive (free). Best Buy free recycling.
Free TV or electronics removal in Rochester →
Raleigh, NC Launching
Wake County Multi-Material Recycling Facility.
Free TV or electronics removal in Raleigh →
Reno, NV Launching
Best Buy free recycling. GrayMar voucher (HHW). HERO Environmental.
Free TV or electronics removal in Reno →
Richmond, VA Launching
Central Virginia Waste Management Authority events.
Free TV or electronics removal in Richmond →
Riverside, CA Launching
California e-waste law applies. Free drop-off at Agua Mansa Transfer Station. Best Buy free recycling.
Free TV or electronics removal in Riverside →
Sacramento, CA Launching
Sacramento County Waste Management Drop-Off.
Free TV or electronics removal in Sacramento →
Saint Paul, MN Launching
Bulky pickup with advance arrangement (counts toward 3-cap, may incur fees). Ramsey County Environmental Center.
Free TV or electronics removal in Saint Paul →
San Jose, CA Launching
CA e-waste law applies. Free unlimited junk pickup accepts e-waste. Best Buy free recycling.
Free TV or electronics removal in San Jose →
Salt Lake City, UT Launching
Call 2 Haul accepts e-waste. Best Buy free recycling. Utah state e-waste law (2008) covers TVs and computers.
Free TV or electronics removal in Salt Lake City →
San Antonio, TX Launching
San Antonio Recycling & Disposal Facilities.
Free TV or electronics removal in San Antonio →
San Diego, CA Launching
Miramar Landfill drop-off; new Solid Waste Management Fee applies.
Free TV or electronics removal in San Diego →
San Francisco, CA Launching
Free Bulky Item Recycling; mandatory three-cart sorting law.
Free TV or electronics removal in San Francisco →
Santa Ana, CA Launching
INCLUDED in 4 free Republic bulky pickups (unusual!). Or Best Buy free. OC HHW Center in Irvine.
Free TV or electronics removal in Santa Ana →
Scottsdale, AZ Launching
Free Scottsdale quarterly electronics recycling events. Best Buy free year-round.
Free TV or electronics removal in Scottsdale →
Seattle, WA Launching
Seattle Recycle & Disposal Stations + retailer takeback.
Free TV or electronics removal in Seattle →
Spokane, WA Launching
Free at City/County facilities. Best Buy free recycling. WA E-Cycle Washington law applies.
Free TV or electronics removal in Spokane →
St. Louis, MO Launching
St. Louis County recycling drop-off events.
Free TV or electronics removal in St. Louis →
St. Petersburg, FL Launching
Pinellas County HHW (free for residents). Best Buy free recycling. NOT in regular trash.
Free TV or electronics removal in St. Petersburg →
Stockton, CA Launching
CA e-waste law. San Joaquin County Solid Waste (209-468-3066). Best Buy free recycling. NOT in any cart.
Free TV or electronics removal in Stockton →
Syracuse, NY Launching
NY e-waste ban. OCRRA drop-off sites (ocrra.org, 315-453-2866). Best Buy free recycling.
Free TV or electronics removal in Syracuse →
Tampa, FL Launching
McKay Bay Transfer Station + Hillsborough County drop-offs.
Free TV or electronics removal in Tampa →
Tucson, AZ Launching
NOT in regular bulky, Los Reales Sustainability Campus.
Free TV or electronics removal in Tucson →
Tulsa, OK Launching
Best Buy free recycling. Oklahoma e-waste law (2008). City transfer station accepts electronics. Manufacturer takeback programs.
Free TV or electronics removal in Tulsa →
Virginia Beach, VA Launching
Landfill & Resource Recovery Center (Jake Sears Road) or West Neck Recycling Center.
Free TV or electronics removal in Virginia Beach →
Washington, DC Launching
DC Office of the Clean City e-CYCLE program.
Free TV or electronics removal in Washington →
Wichita, KS Launching
PRo Kansas Recycling FREE (725 E. Clark, 316-269-1359). American E-Waste Recyclers, Best Buy. Sedgwick County HHW (call ahead).
Free TV or electronics removal in Wichita →
Winston-Salem, NC Launching
NOT in Bulky Pick-Up. 3RC EnviroStation Wed-Sat 9 AM-3 PM (free for Forsyth County residents). Best Buy free recycling.
Free TV or electronics removal in Winston-Salem →
Worcester, MA Launching
Drop-Off Center at 1065 Millbury St (appt). Best Buy free recycling. MA e-waste law applies.
Free TV or electronics removal in Worcester →
What’s the simplest way to recycle electronics?
Best Buy in-store recycling. 1,000+ U.S. locations, accepts most electronics free at the customer service desk (limit 3 items per household per day). Computers, laptops, monitors under 32 inches, printers, small electronics, batteries, ink cartridges, and cables are free. CRT TVs and TVs over 32 inches: $30 fee each. No appointment needed.
Can I throw a TV in regular trash?
In most U.S. states, no. 25+ states (NY, CA, IL, NJ, MA, OR, WA, MN, MI, CT, MD, NC, VA, OK, and others) have e-waste laws that ban TVs from regular trash. Even in states without e-waste laws, most cities ban TVs from regular bulk pickup. Free TV recycling is available through Best Buy ($30 for CRT or over 32 in), state e-waste programs, and city drop-off sites.
How do I wipe my hard drive before recycling a computer?
Three options: (1) Software wipe, download free DBAN (Darik’s Boot and Nuke) or use built-in OS tools (Windows: Reset PC with “remove everything” + clean drive; Mac: Erase Assistant in System Settings). (2) Physical destruction, remove the hard drive and physically destroy it (drill holes, hammer). (3) Best Buy free data destruction service, included with electronics drop-off. Option 3 is easiest if you’re using Best Buy for disposal anyway.
Why are CRT TVs more expensive to recycle?
CRT (cathode ray tube) TVs contain 4–8 lbs of leaded glass per tube, plus phosphors and other heavy metals. Modern flat-screen TVs are dramatically less hazardous and cheaper to recycle. CRT recyclers must handle the leaded glass through specialized facilities, which costs $20–$50 per TV. Retailer recycling fees ($30 at Best Buy) and city drop-off fees ($10–$30) cover this cost. State e-waste programs (NY, CA, IL, others) absorb the cost through manufacturer fees on new electronics.
What about old phones, tablets, and laptops?
Manufacturer trade-in programs (Apple, Samsung, Google, Dell, HP, Lenovo) almost always offer better value than recycling for working devices. Apple’s trade-in (apple.com/shop/trade-in) accepts iPhones, iPads, Macs, and many non-Apple devices. Samsung trade-in works similarly. Even devices 5–7 years old often have $20–$200 trade-in credit. For non-working devices: Best Buy free recycling, manufacturer mail-in programs, or e-waste drop-off events.
Is this page maintained?
Yes. Freemoval maintains this page as a public resource. We update it when programs change rules, fees, or contact methods. Last updated May 2026. If you find outdated information, let us know.