How to Dispose of
an Old Computer in Chicago
How to wipe, recycle or donate an old desktop or laptop in Chicago, and why it can't go in the trash in Illinois.
Chicago guide · Pickups from the $129 minimum
Get a Quote in Minutes
Enter your ZIP code to get started.
Why you can't just throw it out
Illinois bans many electronics, including computers, monitors and printers, from landfills under the Electronic Products Recycling & Reuse Act. See the Illinois EPA electronics recycling page. Recycling also recovers metals and keeps materials such as lead out of the ground.
Step 1: protect your data
Back up
Copy photos and documents to an external drive or cloud storage.
Sign out & reset
Sign out of accounts, then run the built-in factory reset or a secure-erase tool.
Remove the drive if in doubt
For sensitive data, remove the hard drive and keep it or have it physically destroyed.
Step 2: choose how to get rid of it
Donate a working computer
Schools, nonprofits and community groups may take recent, working machines. Call first.
City drop-off
Chicago residents can bring computers and related equipment to the Household Chemicals & Computer Recycling Facility during its posted hours.
Retailer or manufacturer take-back
Many electronics retailers and manufacturers run recycling programs. Check their current terms.
Pickup
We carry out computers, monitors and printers along with any other junk and send the electronics to recyclers. See electronics recycling.
What can be recycled
Desktops, laptops and monitors; printers, keyboards and mice; and other electronics such as routers, phones and tablets. Don't put loose lithium batteries in the trash. Take them to the city drop-off, or add them to a Junk Robbers pickup. The EPA electronics donation and recycling page has more options.
How to Dispose of an Old Computer in Chicago: FAQ
Can I put a computer in the trash in Chicago?
No. Illinois bans computers, monitors and many other electronics from landfills.
Will a recycler wipe my data?
Don't rely on it. Back up and wipe or remove the drive yourself before handing it over.
Is there a free drop-off in Chicago?
Yes. Chicago residents can use the city's Household Chemicals & Computer Recycling Facility during posted hours.
Rather skip the hauling?
Send a photo and we'll confirm the price. Our crew does all the lifting.
Call (312) 521-0935Get my quote