Where to Recycle Old Electronics, TVs and Computers

Updated 2026-09-25. General guidance only: local rules vary, so check with your county or the facility.

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Old electronics pile up fast: the tube TV in the basement, a drawer of dead phones, the printer nobody uses. They're worth recycling because they contain metals that can be recovered, plus materials such as lead, mercury and flame retardants that don't belong in a landfill. Some states ban certain electronics from the trash altogether.

What counts as e-waste

Programs define it differently, but most include:

TVs and computer monitors, both flat-panel and old tube (CRT) sets
Desktop and laptop computers, tablets and e-readers
Phones and smartwatches
Printers, scanners, fax machines and copiers
Keyboards, mice, cables, chargers and routers
Game consoles, DVD players, stereos and speakers
Small appliances such as microwaves, toasters and vacuums (accepted by some programs, not all)

Large appliances like refrigerators and washers are usually handled separately. See our appliance guide.

Before you recycle: protect your data

Anything that stores information needs attention first.

Phones and tablets: back up what you want, sign out of your accounts, remove SIM and memory cards, and do a factory reset.
Computers: back up files, then use the operating system's reset or wipe feature. For old hard drives, you can remove the drive and keep it, or ask whether the recycler offers certified data destruction.
Printers and copiers: some store scanned documents. Check the manual for a way to clear memory.

Also take out loose batteries and tape their terminals. See our battery guide.

Where electronics usually go

Electronics recyclers. Dedicated e-waste companies take a wide range of devices. Some are free for most items and charge for TVs and monitors, which cost more to process. Look for recyclers that say they're certified to a recognized industry standard, which covers how they handle data and hazardous parts.

County or city collection. Many local governments accept electronics at a transfer station, recycling center or HHW facility, or hold periodic e-waste collection days.

Retailer take-back. Several large electronics and office supply chains take back certain devices, sometimes with limits on size or quantity, and sometimes with a fee for TVs. Policies change, so check the store's current rules.

Manufacturer programs. Many brands offer free mail-back or drop-off for their own products. In states with electronics recycling laws, manufacturers often fund local collection sites.

Donation and resale. Working devices less than a few years old are often wanted by schools, charities and refurbishers. Wipe them first.

Why TVs cost money to recycle

Old tube TVs and CRT monitors contain leaded glass, which is costly to handle safely, and there's little market for it. Large flat screens have their own processing costs. That's why a site that takes a laptop for free may charge for a television, and why some collection events limit TVs per household.

Tips for drop-off day

Call ahead to confirm what's accepted and whether there are fees.
Keep cords with devices if you can, and bag loose cables together.
Don't take apart TVs or monitors yourself. Broken CRT glass is a hazard.
Bring proof of residency if the site is run by your county or city.

How to find a site

Dumpmapper shows electronics drop-offs where our sources list them, including Michigan's registered e-waste recyclers. Show electronics and recycling drop-offs on the map. If your county's list comes up short, check the county page for its household hazardous waste and recycling contacts.

Find a place near you

Open the map with electronics + recycling centers switched on, or only show listings that mention electronics (fewer results, because most listings don't list materials). You can also estimate weight and cost with the dump cost calculator.