How to Get Rid of Old Computers, Laptops & Electronics in Chicago, IL
✓ Last verified October 21, 2026 against official Chicago, Illinois and retailer sources. See sources.
Quick answer
- Don't put computers or other covered electronics in the garbage. Illinois bans them from landfills, and improper disposal can bring fines.
- Chicago residents can drop off computers, laptops, monitors, printers and more free at the city's HCCRF, 1150 N. North Branch St.
- The Illinois EPA keeps a statewide list of electronics collection locations.
- Best Buy recycles laptops, desktops and printers free. Monitors cost $29.99 each (Insignia/Dynex are free).
Your options in Chicago
City of Chicago HCCRF (electronics drop-off) Free
The city's e-waste page lists accepted items: computers, computer monitors, TVs, printers, fax machines and scanners, keyboards and mice, VCRs and DVD players or recorders, video game consoles, portable digital music players, digital converter boxes, cable and satellite receivers, and small-scale servers. The city says only listed items are eligible and commercial electronics aren't accepted. Electronics go to the yellow building. Once the truck is full, no more electronics are accepted that day, and items must not be left outside during closed hours.
- Address
- 1150 N. North Branch St., Chicago, IL 60642 (two blocks east of the Kennedy Expressway at Division St.)
- Hours
- Tuesday 7 a.m.–12 p.m. · Thursday 2–7 p.m. · First Saturday of every month 8 a.m.–3 p.m.
Sources: Chicago Recycles – E-Waste; City of Chicago – Household Chemicals & Computer Recycling Facility
Other Illinois electronics collection sites Varies
The Illinois EPA publishes a list of electronics recycling collection locations. Public program sites and one-day events may charge fees only for TVs and monitors, and private or retail sites may charge at their discretion. The HCCRF page also mentions designated neighborhood e-waste drop-off locations scheduled April 1–December 30. We didn't verify that list, so check the HCCRF page.
Sources: Illinois EPA – Electronics Recycling Collection Locations; Illinois EPA – Electronics Recycling FAQs; City of Chicago – Household Chemicals & Computer Recycling Facility
Best Buy store drop-off Varies
Best Buy's recycling page lists desktops, laptops (limit five per household per day), tablets, printers, hard drives, routers, keyboards and mice, and ink and toner as recycled free. Monitors 50" and smaller cost $29.99 each, except Insignia and Dynex monitors 50" and smaller, which are free. The page gives both "up to ten items" and "limit three items" per household per day, so call your store to confirm.
Don't do this
- Don't put covered electronics in your garbage cart. Illinois bans computers, monitors, printers, keyboards, mice, game consoles, TVs and more from landfills.
- Don't bring business electronics to the HCCRF. It's for residents only.
- Don't recycle a device without wiping or removing your personal data first.
Or pay someone to haul it
If you can't get it to a drop-off site, or can't wait for city pickup, a junk-removal service can take it from inside your home. Prices depend on the company, your location and the size of the load, so get a quote first. Ask whether they recycle or donate items and whether they follow Chicago's rules, especially for electronics and paint.
- LoadUp PLACEHOLDER: not a live link
- College HUNKS Hauling Junk PLACEHOLDER: not a live link
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Frequently asked questions
Can I throw a computer in the trash in Chicago?
No. Under Illinois's Consumer Electronics Recycling Act, computers (desktop, laptop, notebook, tablet), monitors, printers, keyboards, mice and other covered devices are banned from landfills, and the Illinois EPA says improper disposal can bring fines and penalties.
Where can I recycle electronics for free in Chicago?
The city's Household Chemicals & Computer Recycling Facility at 1150 N. North Branch St. accepts listed household electronics on Tuesdays (7 a.m.–12 p.m.), Thursdays (2–7 p.m.) and the first Saturday of each month (8 a.m.–3 p.m.).
Does the landfill ban apply to businesses?
Yes. The Illinois EPA says it applies to households, businesses, schools and government agencies. The city's HCCRF doesn't accept business electronics, though, so businesses need a private recycler.
Does Best Buy charge to recycle a laptop?
Best Buy lists laptops as recycled free, with a limit of five per household per day. Monitors cost $29.99 each unless they're Insignia or Dynex brand.
Sources
All checked on October 21, 2026. Rules, hours and fees change, so confirm with the source before you go.