Staples runs a free electronics recycling program at most U.S. store locations

Staples accepts old computers, monitors, printers, keyboards, mice, cables, phones, tablets, and other electronics at the customer service desk. You do not need to buy anything, and there is no charge for dropping off items. The program is called the Staples Recycling Program, and it operates at participating locations nationwide.

Not every Staples location runs the recycling program, so you should call ahead or check the store locator on Staples.com to confirm your nearest location takes electronics. Some smaller or franchise locations may not participate. When you arrive, bring your items to the customer service counter and let staff know you want to recycle them.

Staples partners with third-party recycling vendors to handle the actual processing. Once items arrive at the recycling facility, they are sorted, disassembled, and materials like copper, aluminum, and plastic are recovered. Hazardous components like batteries and circuit boards are handled according to environmental regulations.

Key Takeaways

  • Staples accepts electronics recycling for free at most U.S. store locations with no purchase required.
  • You can drop off computers, monitors, printers, phones, tablets, keyboards, mice, and cables at the customer service desk.
  • Call ahead or use the Staples store locator online to confirm your location participates in the recycling program.
  • Staples contracts with recycling vendors who recover materials and dispose of hazardous components responsibly.

What items Staples will and will not accept

Staples accepts most common office and personal electronics. This includes desktop computers and laptops, monitors and screens, printers and scanners, keyboards and mice, external hard drives and USB drives, phones and tablets, cables and power cords, and networking equipment like routers. Ink cartridges and toner cartridges are also accepted.

Some items fall outside the program. Staples generally does not accept televisions, microwaves, refrigerators, or other large appliances. Broken glass items and items with severe damage may be refused. If you are unsure whether a specific device qualifies, ask the customer service staff when you arrive or call the store beforehand.

How to prepare items before you drop them off

Before bringing electronics to Staples, remove any personal data from devices. For computers and phones, perform a factory reset or wipe the hard drive if you know how. If you are not comfortable doing this yourself, many Staples locations offer data destruction services for a fee, though this is separate from the free recycling program.

You do not need to disassemble anything or remove batteries yourself. Pack items loosely so staff can inspect them if needed. If a device has a removable battery, you may leave it in place — the recycling facility is equipped to handle batteries safely. Do not tape items shut or wrap them in plastic, as this makes inspection harder.

Drop-off process and what happens next

Walk into your local Staples and head to the customer service desk. Tell the staff member you want to recycle electronics. They will ask you to list what you are dropping off and may ask a few basic questions about the condition of the items. You do not need to fill out forms or provide personal information in most cases.

Staff will place your items in a collection bin or storage area behind the counter. From there, Staples arranges periodic pickups by their recycling partner. The exact timeline from drop-off to processing varies, but items typically leave the store within one to four weeks. You will not receive a receipt or confirmation of recycling, so if you need documentation for business purposes, ask the staff member before you leave.

Staples recycling versus other options

Staples is convenient if you have a store nearby and want to drop items off without shipping. The program is free and requires no registration. However, Staples only accepts items at physical locations during business hours, so it does not work if you prefer mail-in recycling or live far from a store.

Other options include manufacturer take-back programs (many computer and phone makers offer mail-in recycling), local municipal e-waste collection events, Best Buy's recycling program, and certified e-waste recyclers in your area. If Staples does not work for your situation, search for "e-waste recycling near me" or contact your city or county waste management office to find alternatives.

Cost and data security considerations

The Staples Recycling Program is free. You will not be charged per item or by weight. Some Staples locations may offer paid data destruction services if you want a certificate proving your hard drive was wiped, but basic recycling has no cost.

Data security is your responsibility before drop-off. Staples staff do not perform data wiping as part of the free program. If your device contains sensitive information and you have not already wiped it, ask a Staples employee about their paid data destruction option, or wipe the device yourself before dropping it off. Once items leave the store, you have no control over them, so handle data removal before you arrive.

Finding your nearest participating Staples location

Use the Staples store locator at Staples.com and search for your zip code or city. The locator shows which stores are nearby and their hours. Not all locations are listed as recycling centers, so call the store directly at the phone number provided to confirm they accept electronics before you make the trip.

If no Staples near you participates, or if you prefer not to visit a store, search online for "certified e-waste recycler near me" or contact your local solid waste management department. Many areas run free collection events several times per year, and some retailers like Best Buy also run recycling programs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be a Staples rewards member to recycle?

No. The recycling program is open to anyone. You do not need a membership, account, or rewards card. Just bring your items to the customer service desk and let staff know you want to recycle them.

Can I mail electronics to Staples for recycling?

Staples does not offer a mail-in recycling program. You must drop items off in person at a participating store location. If mail-in recycling is important to you, look into manufacturer programs or certified e-waste recyclers that offer prepaid shipping labels.

Will Staples recycle a broken monitor or computer that does not turn on?

Yes, in most cases. Staples accepts broken and non-working electronics. However, items with severe physical damage or broken glass may be refused for safety reasons. Ask staff when you arrive if you are unsure whether a damaged item will be taken.

Do I get a receipt or proof that my items were recycled?

The standard free program does not provide receipts or certificates. If you need documentation for business or tax purposes, ask the customer service staff before you leave. Some Staples locations may be able to note your drop-off, though this is not may provide.

What happens to my data if I do not wipe my hard drive?

Data security is your responsibility. Wipe your device before drop-off using your operating system's built-in tools, or ask Staples about their paid data destruction service. Once items leave the store, you cannot control what happens to them, so handle sensitive data removal yourself beforehand.