What's Your Printers Worth? Trade-In Prices (2026)
Last updated: 26 March 2026
Printers is a category of electronic device that can be recycled, refurbished, or traded in at end of life. This guide covers where and how.
People often search for "recycle laptop" when looking for recycling options. Here's what you need to know.
Last reviewed by Sarah Chen on 23 March 2026
What do you do with an old printer that's no longer working or needed? Proper recycling is important for the environment and your safety. Printers contain a mix of materials like plastic, metals, and potentially hazardous components, which means tossing them in the trash isn't an option.
Printers often include parts such as lithium-ion batteries, mercury switches, lead solder, and cadmium-based parts. These substances can leach into soil and water if not disposed of correctly. For example, a single toner cartridge left to degrade in landfill might release up to 4 kilograms of hazardous waste over time. That's why it's important to recycle printers properly.
According to the WEEE Forum, over 5 billion mobile phones were estimated to be sitting unused in drawers worldwide in 2022.
You have several options for recycling your printer:
- Retail Drop-offs: Retailers like Best Buy (US), Currys (UK), Officeworks (Australia) and Staples (EU and US) often provide in-store drop-off locations. Printers accepts a wide range of electronics, including printers. Be sure to check if there are any fees or restrictions.
- Manufacturer Recycling Programs: Major printer brands like HP and Canon have recycling initiatives where you can send your old printer back for free. For instance, HP's Planet Partners program allows users to ship in any brand of ink cartridges and hardware at no cost to the consumer. It's a convenient way to get rid of old printers without adding extra costs.
- Certified E-Waste Recyclers: Organizations like Responsible Recycling (R2) certified recyclers provide secure, environmentally friendly recycling services. They ensure that your printer's components are handled safely and recycled properly rather than ending up in landfills or illegal dumping sites.
Before you recycle, there are a few steps to take:
- Data Wiping: If the printer had any network capabilities, consider wiping all stored data from it before disposal. This is especially important if you're trading it in for cash.
- Battery Removal: Many printers use rechargeable batteries that can be recycled separately at specific battery collection points.
Recycling your printer isn't just good for the planet; it can also save you money. Some companies offer trade-in programs where you get credit towards new products when you return old ones. For example, Best Buy's Trade-In program and Staples' Office Depot Trade-In program both accept printers of various types in exchange for store credit or cash.
The environmental impact of improperly disposing of a printer is significant. When thrown into landfills, the hazardous materials can contaminate soil and water supplies, posing health risks to wildlife and humans alike. By recycling your printer, you help reduce waste and minimize these harmful effects.
According to the UN Global E-Waste Monitor 2024, only 22.3% of e-waste was properly collected and recycled in 2022.
Some specific hazardous materials in printers include:
- Lithium Batteries: These batteries can be dangerous if not disposed of properly.
- Mercury Switches: Found in some toner cartridges, mercury is highly toxic and damaging to the environment.
- Lead Solder: Commonly used in circuit boards, lead poses serious health risks when it enters water systems.
When deciding between repairing or recycling your printer, consider its age. If your printer is less than five years old-its average lifespan-it might be worth fixing. However, if it's older and the repair costs are high relative to buying a new one, recycling is likely the better choice.
By taking these steps, you ensure that your old printer doesn't end up harming the environment or putting others at risk. Whether through retailer drop-offs, manufacturer programs, or certified recyclers, there are plenty of options available worldwide to dispose of printers responsibly.
According to the Consumer Technology Association, The average US household has 21 unused electronic devices.
Remember, proper disposal not only benefits the planet but also keeps potentially hazardous materials out of landfills and waterways. So don't just throw that old printer in the trash-find a responsible recycling option today!
Sources
- WEEE Forum
- UN Global E-Waste Monitor 2024
- Consumer Technology Association
How to Cite This Page
Sarah Chen (2026). 'Printers'. eCycling Central. Available at: https://ecyclingcentral.com/devices/printers (Accessed: 23 March 2026).
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I recycle my old Printers?
You can recycle Printers at retail drop-off points (Best Buy, Staples, Currys), manufacturer take-back programmes, certified e-waste recyclers, and local council collection events. Most options are free for household quantities.
What valuable materials are in Printers?
Printers contain precious metals including gold, silver, and palladium, as well as copper, cobalt, and rare earth elements. Proper recycling recovers these materials instead of sending them to landfill.
Can broken Printers be recycled?
Yes. Even broken Printers have recyclable materials inside. Most e-waste recyclers accept damaged electronics. Some trade-in providers also buy broken devices for parts and material recovery.
Is it legal to throw Printers in the bin?
In many places, it's illegal to dispose of electronics in regular household waste. E-waste contains hazardous materials like lead, mercury, and lithium that require proper handling.