Residential recycling and disposal search tool

Computers and computer accessories

How to extend the life of computers and computer accessories

Monitors and towers

Keyboards and mice

Laptops

Modems

Headphones and headsets

External hard drives

Examples of computers and computer accessories

  • Desktop computer towers and laptops 
  • Computer monitors, keyboards, webcams and mouse (mice)
  • Headphones and headsets
  • CPUs (central processing units), all-in-one computers and servers 
  • Combination modem and router devices
  • External hard drives, portable hard drives, flash drives, memory sticks and USB drives (thumb drives)
  • Optical drives including CD-ROM drives, CD burners and DVD-ROM drives
  • Ethernet switches and range extenders
  • Accompanying charging cords and cables

How to dispose

There are two ways to dispose of computers and computer accessories depending on whether they are usable or broken.

Usable computers and accessories

  • Extend the life of this item by reusing, selling, or donating

Reuse working computers and accessories by:

  • Giving to family and friends
  • Posting on online websites like Facebook Marketplace

Donate usable computers and accessories to local charities. Contact your preferred charity to confirm what type of donations they are accepting. Options include: 

Old and broken computers and accessories

  • Take to an electronics recycling drop-off

Take old and broken computers and computer accessories for free to an electronics recycling drop-off. You can also take these items to a City Eco Centre for free – if you bring with other garbage, charges will apply.

Special instructions

  • Clear all personal information before dropping off (e.g. wipe hard drives, clear SIM cards, etc.) 
  • Do NOT put electronics in your blue cart. These items can damage the equipment at the recycling facility.

For businesses

If you are a business with computers and electronics to recycle, see the list of Electronics Processors for Businesses or visit the Alberta Recycling Management Authority list of drop-off locations.

You can also use Know Before You Throw, our business waste search tool tailored to meet the needs of property managers, businesses and organizations.

Map of electronics drop-off locations

Explore similar items

Floppy discs

Printers

CDs and DVDs

Projectors

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