Most of us want to do the right thing when it comes to disposing of old our outdated electronics, we want to recycle properly, but sometimes it gets a bit confusing on who takes what and who doesn’t. Staples offers one of the most comprehensive recycling programs; between their tech trade-in, rewards program, and free recycling it’s a great first stop for getting rid of your old devices, computers, ink cartridges, and more. Staples has even launched a sustainability project that offers incentives for reducing your environmental impact.
The Staples Advantage Recycling Program offers a wide variety of opportunities for individuals and businesses to recycle more and reduce their waste. In the last six years, Staples has collected roughly 220,000 ink toner cartridges per year! They have a very successful recycling and trade-in program primarily because their list of acceptable items is so broad.
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Staples Electronics Recycling List
Staples electronics recycle program is super extensive. If your device doesn’t qualify for their Technology trade-in program, which we will cover as well, then check here to see if your household or office electronic device is accepted at your local Staples store for free disposal. To clarify they accept non-working, outdated, and even broken electronics in through their Technology recycling.
- Accessories/adapters/cables
- All-in-one computers
- Cable/Satellite Receivers
- Calculators
- Camcorders
- Cd/DVD/Blue-ray players
- Coffee Brewers (less than 40 lbs)
- Computer speakers
- Connected Home devices
- Copiers
- Cordless phones
- Desktop Computers
- Digital Cameras
- Digital projectors
- eReaders
- Fax Machines
- Flash drives
- Gaming consoles/handhelds
- GPS devices
- Hard drives and External hard drives
- iPod and MP3 players
- Keyboard and mouse
- Laptops
- Mobile Phones
- Modems
- Monitors (including CRT, LED/LCD, plasma)
- Printers and multifunction office devices
- Routers
- Scanners
- Shredders
- Small servers
- Stereo receivers
- Tablets
- UPS/battery backup devices
- Video streaming devices (Apple TV, Roku player, etc)
- Webcams
- Wireless router
This is a pretty extensive list that they update periodically. You can check Staples accepted recycling items here:
Recycling Services
What does Staples not accept in its Recycling program?
- Alkaline batteries
- Appliances
- Floor model printers/copiers
- Kitchen electronics
- Lamps or bulbs
- Large servers
- Large speakers
- Non-rechargeable lithium batteries
- Smoke detectors
- Televisions
If you’ve been collecting your old small electronics make sure to note there is a limit of seven recycling items per customer per day at any Staples location.
Free Tv recycling is harder to come by due to the cost incurred when recycling televisions. You can check into Best Buy for recycling your old TV for a small fee.
Staples Technology Trade-in
Do you know what is even better than properly recycling your electronics? Trading in your tech for an eCash card and using it at Staples for whatever you might need. This situation is a win-win, there are some qualifiers for participating in the Tech trade-in program at Staples, but its a great idea if you have some gently used devices that still have some life left in them. There are even two convenient ways to trade in your electronics. Accepted tech includes smartphones, tablets, and laptops.
Trade-in at your Local Staples Store
- Bring your electronics into your local Staples store, where it will be inspected.
- Find out how much your device is worth with a quote provided by them.
- Get paid in a Staples eCash card for the value of your device.
Trade-in Online with Staples
- Find your device on Staples Trade-in page answer a few questions and get a quote.
- Send it in the mail using a provided free shipping label.
- Get paid for the value of your device in an eCash card.
Staples Ink Toner Cartridge Recycling
Staples Sustainability program goes beyond electronics recycling. They have an excellent rewards program in place to keep empty ink and toner cartridges out of our landfills. Ink and Toner recycling is important for businesses that require a lot of printing to keep their business going. It’s a pretty simple program and is great for businesses to earn some rewards while doing their part in decreasing their environmental impact.
Rewards Program
- Purchase at least $30 in toner or ink either in-store or online (within 180 days of recycling)
- Bring in your empty ink cartridges to a register or you can request a free shipping label online.
- Get $2 back for each toner cartridge on your Staples rewards statement (up to 10 cartridges per month)
The Staples Rewards Program is free and you can sign up online, beyond the ink and toner cartridge recycling rewards you can also take advantage of free next day delivery, and up to 5% back in rewards.
Recycling Computers at Staples
Staples offers free computer recycling, including both laptops and desktops regardless of brand or where it was originally purchased. This is a great choice if your computer or laptop has stopped working if it is in good condition and working you should look into Staples trade in program instead. Many other recycling centers may charge a fee for recycling your computer or laptop. Computers should never be thrown out in your curbside trash or recycling bin. Also, be sure to thoroughly wipe/erase all of your personal data from any device you turn in to be recycled.
Free Battery Recycling
Staples also accepts your rechargeable batteries that have quit holding a charge or that you no longer need, and the best part is the battery recycling at Staples is free. They will be sorted and recycled into new devices and batteries. One thing to note is that the battery you are recycling cannot exceed 11 lbs. Proper battery recycling is very important, these rechargeable batteries contain toxic chemicals that can harm the environment. Rechargeable batteries do NOT belong in your curbside trash or recycling.
Accepted Rechargeable Batteries
- Lithium ion (Li-Ion)
- Small sealed Lead Acid (SSLA/Pb)
- Nickel Cadmium
- Nickel Metal Hydride
Staples does not currently accept single-use alkaline or lithium batteries or automotive/wet cell batteries.
Staples Recycling Writing Supplies in Canada
TerraCycle has partnered with Staples Canada to accept used writing utensils of all types for recycling. It’s a successful program that has diverted over 2 million writing instruments from ending up in landfills. In Canada, you can save up your used writing utensils and drop them at your local Staples store. Hopefully, the success of this program will allow it to be extended to US Staples locations in the near future.
FAQ’s
Does Staples recycle printers?
Staples does accept printers and fax machines for recycling. They also accept multi-function office machines and there is no fee.
Does Staples recycle batteries?
Rechargeable batteries are accepted for recycling at your local Staples location, but alkaline batteries are not. It is important you keep both types of batteries out of your trash and curbside recycling.
Will Staples recycle my old TV for free?
Staples does not accept televisions for recycling, and you may be charged a small fee at other recycling locations depending on where you take it. If you’re looking for free tv recycling you can try your local city or county waste management for free drop off locations or events.
Does Staples take old computers?
Staples absolutely accept old computers and laptops through their recycling program. If you’re interested in their trade-in program it may depend on the exact age of your computer. You can enter the brand and a serial number of your laptop or computer to see if they make an offer.
How many ink cartridges can I recycle at Staples?
Regular Staples Rewards members can recycle up to 10 toner cartridges per month, while Plus & Premier Members can recycle 20 per month.
Does Staples give you money for empty ink cartridges?
Staples does not give you cash for empty ink cartridges, but they reward you with $2 per empty cartridge on your Staples reward account to be used on anything you need.
What is a Terracycle Zero waste Box?
Terracycle is partnering with many companies in the US and abroad to make recycle hard to recycle items easier. The Terracycle Zero Waste Box accepts items ranging from coffee pods to plastic toys, to art supplies.
