Disposing of an old router in New York City? This guide lists every option — free drop-off at major retailers (Best Buy, Staples, Office Depot), manufacturer mail-back programs (often free with prepaid label), and certified local recyclers within driving distance. Each option below shows what's accepted, the cost, and what to do with your data before handing the router over.
*Reviewed by the eCycling Central editorial team*
New York City residents disposing of an old Routers and Modems can choose between retailer trade-in, council bulky-waste collection, and dedicated [what is e-waste](https://ecyclingcentral.com/glossary/e-waste) recyclers. Compare the options below.
*Reviewed by the eCycling Central editorial team on 03 April 2026*
Recycling routers and modems in New York City is important for environmental conservation. Best Buy, Staples, and Goodwill offer free drop-off points throughout the city for electronic waste like these devices.
### Where Can Residents Recycle Routers and Modems?
Residents can recycle their old routers and modems at local stores such as Best Buy, Staples, or Goodwill locations across New York City. Each retailer has specific programmes to ensure proper disposal and recycling of electronics.
Free drop-off points for routers and modems are available at major retailers like Best Buy through the "Recycle with Us" programme and Staples via their "Electronics Recycling Programme." Additionally, Goodwill offers a variety of donation centres where these items can be responsibly discarded. These programmes help reduce [what is e-waste](https://ecyclingcentral.com/glossary/e-waste) in landfills.
### Free Drop-off Points for Routers and Modems
Best Buy's "Recycle with Us" programme allows customers to drop off up to three medium-sized electronics per day without any charge, including routers and modems. Staples' Electronics Recycling Programme similarly accepts these devices free of cost at all participating stores across the city.
When dropping off your router or modem, ensure that personal data is wiped clean beforehand to protect your privacy. This can be done by resetting the device to factory settings according to manufacturer instructions. Also, remove any batteries before recycling as they contain hazardous materials and must be disposed of separately.
### Special Handling Requirements
Before recycling routers and modems in New York City, it's important to follow specific handling requirements to ensure safety and compliance with local e-waste laws. [Data wiping](https://ecyclingcentral.com/guides/data-destruction-before-recycling) is important to safeguard personal information stored on these devices. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for resetting your router or modem to its default settings.
remove batteries from any router or modem before recycling them. Batteries can be hazardous materials and need separate disposal methods to prevent environmental contamination. New York State has strict e-waste regulations that govern how electronic items should be recycled properly to minimize risks associated with improper handling.
### Trade-in Options for Working Routers and Modems
Working routers and modems may have some residual value, especially if they're relatively new models from well-known brands like Netgear or Linksys. Best Buy offers trade-in options where you can exchange your old equipment for a gift card or store credit towards a purchase.
For example, a working router in good condition might fetch up to $20-$50 depending on its brand and model, while more advanced modems could be worth even more-sometimes around $100. These trade-in values vary based on the specific device's functionality and demand.
### What Happens to Recycled Routers and Modems
Once collected, recycled routers and modems undergo a process of disassembly where valuable materials like metals and plastics are extracted for reuse. In New York State, e-waste is processed by certified recyclers who follow strict guidelines set forth by the state's Department of Environmental Conservation.
Recovered metals such as copper and gold can be reused in manufacturing new electronics. Significantly reducing raw material extraction from natural resources. Plastics are often shredded and used to create recycled plastic products or repurposed into other components in the electronics industry. By recycling these devices, we help conserve natural resources while protecting our environment from harmful waste.
Routers and Modems recycling in New York City not only helps reduce electronic waste but also supports a more sustainable future by recovering valuable materials and reducing environmental impact.
*According to the European Parliament, less than 1% of [rare earth elements](https://ecyclingcentral.com/guides/rare-earth-elements-in-electronics) in e-waste are currently recycled.*
## Sources
- European Parliament
- National Conference of State Legislatures
E-waste compliance in New York City
Recycling and disposal in US fall under specific legal frameworks. Knowing them helps you (or your business) stay compliant.
EPA E-Waste Regulations (US Federal) (United States)
Federal rules on hazardous waste disposal. No federal mandate for e-waste recycling but regulates CRT monitors, batteries, and mercury-containing devices. Enforced by: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Read the full regulation summary
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) (United States)
US federal law governing hazardous waste disposal. CRT monitors and certain batteries are classified as hazardous waste under RCRA. Enforced by: EPA.
Read the full regulation summary