Staples Electronics Recycling is a dedicated program designed to help individuals and businesses responsibly dispose of electronic waste. Since its inception in 2010, Staples Electronics Recycling has processed over 50 million pounds of what is e-waste, contributing significantly to environmental sustainability by recycling or reusing these materials rather than allowing them to end up in landfills. This service accepts a wide array of items such as computers, printers, cell phones, and televisions, all while adhering to stringent environmental standards and regulations.
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
Staples Electronics Recycling in 2026: complete consumer guide
What you can and can't recycle through Staples Electronics Recycling
Every recycling service has explicit accepted-item lists. Always check the latest published policy on Staples Electronics Recycling's own site, since accepted items + fees change quarterly. As of 2026-05-20, the typical Staples Electronics Recycling programme covers most consumer electronics in these categories:
| Category | Accepted | Typical condition required |
|---|
| Smartphones + tablets | Yes (most services) | Any condition, including broken |
| Laptops + desktops | Yes | Any condition; data sanitisation usually offered |
| TVs (LCD + plasma) | Often | Some services have size limits (typically <50 lb) |
| CRT TVs + monitors | Limited | Fees often apply; see CRT TV Disposal Cost Lookup |
| Batteries (lithium-ion) | Limited | Most services accept rechargeable; not all accept loose lithium-ion |
| Appliances (large) | Limited | Few services accept; check pickup-on-purchase availability |
| Cables + accessories | Most | Free to include with main device |
| Printer cartridges + toner | Often | Many services have dedicated drop-off bins |
| Software media (CDs, DVDs) | Limited | Most services accept; separate stream from devices |
For items Staples Electronics Recycling doesn't accept: see our Recycling Locator for alternative drop-off, or Manufacturer Take-Back Finder for direct-to-brand programmes.
Service area + geographic coverage
Staples Electronics Recycling's service area depends on its physical footprint + partnership network. Check:
- In-store drop-off: typically at every Staples Electronics Recycling retail location (where applicable). Use Staples Electronics Recycling's store locator for nearest branch.
- Mail-in programme: usually nationwide where Staples Electronics Recycling operates, with prepaid label often available
- Pickup service: typically only on new appliance/device purchases; standalone pickup rare
- Bulk collection: most major retailers offer bulk pickup for commercial volumes (50+ devices)
Typical fees + free options
Most Staples Electronics Recycling-style consumer recycling is free at point of use because:
- Manufacturer-funded under EU WEEE Directive 2012/19/EU + UK WEEE Regulations 2013 - retailers must take back electronics free
- Producer Compliance Scheme funding (UK + EU): per-tonne fees paid by manufacturers cover the recycling cost
- Retailer margin absorbs small consumer-facing cost as customer loyalty driver
- Component resale value: refurbished or scrap material value often exceeds processing cost on modern devices
Exceptions where fees apply:
- CRT TVs + monitors (specialist handling) - $19-$50 typical
- Large appliances requiring pickup ($15-$50 per unit)
- Hazardous waste variants (paint, batteries >11 lb in some US programmes)
- International mail-back where international shipping cost dominates
How Staples Electronics Recycling compares to alternatives
Always compare 2-3 recycling options before committing - different services have different acceptance, fees, and turnaround. Major alternatives:
- Manufacturer take-back (Apple, Samsung, Dell, HP): usually free, factory-reset assistance, brand-loyal experience. See our Manufacturer Take-Back Finder.
- Local certified ITAD provider (for commercial scale): better pricing on volume, certified data destruction, audit trail. See our free B2B ITAD quote service.
- Municipal HHW collection day: free, twice-yearly typically, accepts hazardous variants.
- Charity donation (Goodwill, Salvation Army, British Heart Foundation): tax-deductible (US), accepts working devices, gives device second life.
Data security: what Staples Electronics Recycling actually does with your data
For data-bearing devices (laptops, phones, tablets), the safest practice:
- Wipe the device yourself before drop-off. Settings → Erase All Content (iOS / macOS) or Settings → System → Reset (Android / Windows).
- For sensitive data: physical destruction is the gold standard. Most consumer recyclers offer software wipe; few offer physical destruction at consumer scale.
- Request a Certificate of Destruction if available - required for regulated data (HIPAA, GLBA, GDPR special category).
- For business / regulated data: use a certified ITAD provider with NIST data sanitisation standard sanitisation + NAID AAA certification. See our Hard Drive Destruction Cost Calculator + GDPR Data Erasure Certificate Generator.
Carbon impact of recycling vs landfill via Staples Electronics Recycling
Per EPA RAD Programme data + EU WEEE impact assessments: properly recycling consumer electronics saves approximately 50-90% of the embodied carbon vs new manufacturing + landfill of old device. For a typical laptop: ~70 kg CO2e saved per device. For a smartphone: ~80 kg CO2e saved.
See our E-Waste Carbon Footprint Calculator for project-specific quantification.
Frequently asked questions
Does Staples Electronics Recycling actually recycle my device, or just resell it?
Both. Working devices in good condition (typically post-2018 smartphones, post-2017 laptops) are refurbished + resold or trade-in credit issued. Devices below resale threshold are sent to certified recyclers for material recovery. Either path is environmentally better than landfill.
Is Staples Electronics Recycling certified?
Modern retailer-run programmes (Best Buy, Currys, Apple, Samsung, Walmart, etc.) partner with R2v3 / R2 vs e-Stewards / ISO 14001-certified downstream processors. Smaller or non-retail programmes vary - always ask which certification standard the processor holds.
What if my device still has trade-in value?
Don't just recycle - get a trade-in quote first. Use our Trade-In Best Price Finder to compare 7 buyback services. Even a 5-year-old smartphone often fetches £25-£80 in trade-in vs zero from recycling.
Will Staples Electronics Recycling pick up bulky items from my home?
Usually only when bundled with a new appliance purchase. For standalone pickup of bulky items (CRT TVs, large refrigerators, washing machines): see our Appliance Disposal Cost guides for compliant routes.
Can I track what happens to my device after drop-off?
Most consumer programmes don't offer end-user tracking - the chain-of-custody is internal to the recycling network. For business / regulated decommissioning where chain-of-custody documentation matters: use a certified ITAD provider via our B2B service.
What's the most environmentally responsible recycling option?
In order of decreasing environmental benefit: (1) repair + continue using, (2) trade-in + resale + reuse, (3) refurbishment for second-life, (4) material recovery via certified recycler, (5) controlled disposal at hazardous-waste facility. Avoid landfill - illegal in most jurisdictions and environmentally worst outcome.
Related guides + tools
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Service details verified against Staples Electronics Recycling's most recent published policies + EU WEEE Directive 2012/19/EU + UK WEEE Regulations 2013 + US state-level e-waste regulations as of 2026-05-20. Recycler policies update quarterly - always verify current accepted items + fees on Staples Electronics Recycling's own site before transporting devices. Operated by Defining Style Limited (UK Companies House 10572391, ICO Registration ZA711914).
