manaemedia / Shutterstock.com Computers Alternative ways to recycle Illegal in Garbage & Drains Contains Mercury E-Waste manaemedia / Shutterstock.com Submit a Transportation Move Request to move electronic waste to B79. For items with DOE property tags, dispose through your Property Coordinator. Never Throw in the Trash Computers contain many metals like mercury, arsenic and lead that are harmful to human health and the environment. Never throw them in the trash because they can leach into the water and soil. Alternative Ways to Recycle HP Hardware Recycling HP accepts computer and electronics hardware from various manufacturers for free mail-in recycling. Request a mail-back label here. Best Buy's Electronics and Appliances Recycling Program Best Buy will recycle old computers and many other home electronics for free; they also offer a trade-in program for more desired electronics. They accept up to three items per day from each household. Find a location. Staples' Take Back Program Staples offers free, in-store recycling for unwanted electronics, including desktop computers, tablets, monitors, printers, and other electronics. Locate your nearest Staples. Apple Store Gift Card Apple runs a reuse and recycling program for unwanted iPhones, iPads, Mac or PC computers and displays. Depending on the condition of your electronics, Apple can give you credit if they have monetary value. Find out more. Dell Reconnect Drop-Off and Mail-Back Program Dell Reconnect will accept most computer equipment from any brand for recycling at many Goodwill drop-off locations. They also have a free mail-back program if you are recycling Dell products or wish to purchase a new Dell product. Find out more. Microsoft Trade-In and Recycling Program Visit any Microsoft store location to trade in old devices, game consoles or games for Microsoft store credit. If your items no longer carry substantial value, they will be wiped of data and safely recycled. If you aren’t near a store location, you can request a prepaid postage label to mail in your items. Gazelle Trade-In Program Gazelle purchases used Apple computers, iPods, cell phones and tablets, then refurbishes or recycles them for future use. Get a quote for your item, ship it free of charge and receive payment as soon as they’ve inspected it. Find out more. Did You Know? The Problem of E-Waste E-waste is a dangerous business in India and China, where e-waste recycling plants release toxic chemicals into the air and cause health problems for recycling workers. To learn more about e-waste, check out The Story of Stuff Project. How Computers Are Recycled