This year, according to the Environmental Protection Agency, consumers will retire more than 2 million tons in e-waste, or "tech trash" – old or obsolete cellular phones, rechargeable batteries, ink jet cartridges, televisions, computer components, monitors, appliances, etc. The good news is that many of the materials in e-waste can be recycled or refurbished.

As one of the world’s largest retailers of consumer electronics, Best Buy has a responsibility to ensure that employees, customers and communities have the opportunity to dispose of electronics in ways that are safe and considerate of their impact on the environment. Thanks to the action of consumers, more than 19,000 tons of electronics was recycled through Best Buy programs in 2008. Below you’ll find additional information about our recycling programs, including our standards and recycling partners.

National Electronics Recycling Program

Starting on February 15th, 2009 all U.S. Best Buy stores will accept for recycling most consumer electronics, including televisions and monitors up to 32”, computer CPUs and notebooks, small electronics, VCRs and DVD players, phones as well as accessories such as keyboards, mice and remotes.

A $10 recycling fee per unit will be charged for items with screens, such as televisions, laptop computers, and monitors. The consumer will instantly receive a $10 Best Buy gift card in exchange for the recycling fee. This fee does not apply for units recycled in California stores, and does not apply for any of Best Buy’s Exclusive-Branded products, such as Insignia, Dynex, and VPR Matrix.

The following items cannot be accepted through this program:
  • Televisions or monitor screens greater than 32”
  • Console televisions
  • Items containing Freon, including air conditioners, dehumidifiers, and mini-refrigerators (consumers are encouraged to contact their state/county sold waste department for recycling options)
  • Microwaves
  • Appliances (customers are invited instead to use Best Buy’s appliance haul-away and pick-up programs)

In addition, we offer recycling kiosks in the entryway of every U.S. Best Buy store where consumers may drop-off cell phones, rechargeable batteries, ink-jet cartridges, gift cards, CDs, DVDs, PDAs and smart phones free of charge. We also offer recycling and reuse opportunities via our TV and Appliance Haul-Away program (free with purchase of a replacement TV or appliance $499 and up), our Tech Trade-In program, which allows consumers to exchange select gently used electronics for a Best Buy gift card, and the recycling events we occasionally host. For more information about our recycling events, please click here.

Best Buy’s Public Policy Position: Electronics Recycling

Best Buy supports a federal legislative solution for the management of electronic waste where producers, retailers, recyclers, consumers and government share responsibility in driving the success of an economically sustainable electronics recycling solution

Best Buy believes that the recycling industry must be held to high industry practices and standards, including strict, responsible controls that protect human health and the environment, and that the dumping of toxic electronic waste on developing nations should be prohibited.

For additional information about Best Buy’s recycling standards, please click here.

Best Buy’s Electronics Recycling Partners

Best Buy makes sure that the recyclers we work with adhere to the highest guidelines and standards so that the products customers recycle through Best Buy don’t end up in landfills or in foreign countries and that all hazardous materials are disposed of properly. We partner directly with a short list of highly qualified and respected recycling companies who ensure all products collected for recycling are handled responsibly. These recycling companies meet our standards, and we encourage them to examine and consider additional third-party standards for responsible practices (such as the EPA R2, eStewards, etc.). For a complete list of our recycling partners, please click here.