That old phone still collecting dust in your junk drawer? Or maybe a laptop that’s seen better days? You can drop off just about any electronics at Best Buy—no strings attached. Trade-in kiosks even pay cash or gift cards for working tech. And if you’re upgrading to a new fridge or TV, Best Buy’s haul-away service will take your old one away when it delivers the new one.
What’s Happening
According to the Best Buy Recycling page, you can bring most electronics to the Customer Service counter—even items that won’t get you a trade-in credit. Batteries go in the special bins near the entrance. Big stuff like TVs or washing machines? You’ll need to wheel them to the back; staff will lend a hand if you’re buying a replacement.
How Do I Actually Do This?
- Make sure your item is on the list. Best Buy’s Recycling List tells you what they take. As of 2026, they accept:
Category Examples Computers Desktops, laptops, keyboards, mice, external drives Mobile Devices Phones, tablets, e-readers, MP3 players Printers & Office Gear Printers, scanners, copiers, fax machines Large Electronics CRT TVs, flat-panel TVs, monitors (over 32"), robot vacuums Batteries Rechargeable laptop, camera, phone, and power-tool batteries Appliances Washers, dryers, refrigerators (haul-away only) - Get it ready. Wipe your devices clean of personal data. Tape lithium-ion battery terminals to stop short circuits. Use the original box or a solid tote for anything fragile.
- Head to the store. Swing by any Best Buy during regular hours. Skip the appointment—just walk up to Customer Service.
- Decide what works best for you.
- Trade-in: set the item on the kiosk scale, answer a few questions, and grab an instant quote. Good for 7 days.
- Recycle-only: hand it to the associate—no cash involved.
- Haul-away: choose this at checkout when you buy a new appliance or TV over $399.
What If Best Buy Won’t Take My Stuff?
- Check local drop-offs. Many counties run household hazardous waste sites that take electronics. Look up your EPA regional site for 2026 schedules.
- Donate to charity. The Salvation Army and Habitat for Humanity ReStores often accept working TVs, computers, and appliances—call first, since availability varies. Salvation Army Donation Info.
- Send it back to the maker. Brands like Samsung, LG, and Apple offer free mail-back or in-store programs. Check the support page for your device’s model number.
How Can I Keep This From Happening Again?
Keep software updated, clear out dust from vents once a year, and swap out only the broken part—like a laptop battery—rather than the whole machine. When it’s finally time to recycle, bring everything: cords, remotes, stands. Recycling centers often toss loose parts if they don’t match the main device. And always tape lithium battery terminals and pack lithium-ion batteries in separate cardboard boxes in the trunk to avoid crushing risks.
