Staples Electronics Recycling - Services, Certifications

Staples Electronics Recycling is an electronics recycling service that accepts e-waste for responsible disposal. This page covers what they accept, certifications, and how the process works.

People often search for "staples recycling of electronics" when looking for recycling options. Here's what you need to know.

Last reviewed by James Hartley on 23 March 2026

You've just upgraded your laptop, and you're left with an old one that's collecting dust. Instead of letting it sit unused, you decide to take it to Staples Electronics Recycling for responsible disposal.

At Staples Electronics Recycling in the United States, they accept a variety of electronic items for free recycling. The list includes phones, laptops, tablets, monitors, printers, keyboards, and cables. Additionally, they recycle ink cartridges at no cost as well. Staples Electronics Recycling is particularly handy if you're replacing devices regularly but don't want to deal with the hassle or expense of disposing of them yourself.

According to the Shift Project, manufacturing a new smartphone produces 50-80kg of co2 equivalent.

The process couldn't be simpler. You just drop off your unwanted electronics in-store during business hours. There are no size limits for items, and there's no need to worry about quantity restrictions-bring as much as you like. Staples Electronics Recycling is completely free, so there's no cost involved at all.

Once your devices arrive at the recycling facility, they undergo a sorting process based on their material composition. Staples works with certified e-recycling partners who ensure that every part of each device gets repurposed or recycled safely and responsibly. For example, metals are separated from plastics, and hazardous components like batteries get special handling to prevent environmental damage.

Before dropping off your devices, it's important to consider data security. Staples doesn't provide a data wiping service for electronic items. So, it's up to you to erase all personal information before handing over your gadgets. For laptops or phones, use built-in software tools to wipe the device clean of any sensitive data. If you're unsure how to do this, consult the manufacturer's guidelines online.

According to the UNEP, A single tonne of circuit boards contains 40-800 times more gold than a tonne of ore.

In terms of location coverage, Staples offers drop-off services at participating stores across the country. As of 2019, there are over 1,500 Staples locations nationwide that accept electronics for recycling. This makes it convenient for customers in major cities and smaller towns alike to recycle their gadgets responsibly.

While they do take a wide range of items, there are some exceptions. Staples doesn't accept large appliances like refrigerators or air conditioners. Staples Electronics Recycling also don't handle hazardous waste like batteries from cars or fluorescent light bulbs. For these types of items, it's best to check with local government agencies for proper disposal methods.

In summary, if you're looking for a straightforward and free way to recycle your old electronics at Staples Electronics Recycling, the service is well worth considering. Just remember to clean out any personal data beforehand to keep yourself secure. With convenient drop-off locations across the U.S., it's easy to do your part in responsible e-waste management without breaking the bank.

According to the WHO, improper e-waste disposal releases toxic substances including lead, mercury, and cadmium into soil and water.

For more information and specific store locations, visit their website at https://www.staples.com/sbd/cre/marketing/sustainability-center/recycling-services/electronics/.

Sources

• Shift Project
• UNEP
• WHO

How to Cite This Page

James Hartley (2026). 'Staples Electronics Recycling'. eCycling Central. Available at: https://ecyclingcentral.com/recyclers/staples-electronics-recycling (Accessed: 23 March 2026).