How to Get Rid of Old Computers, Laptops & Electronics in Houston, TX
✓ Last verified October 21, 2026 against official Houston, Texas and retailer sources. See sources.
Quick answer
- Don't put electronics out with garbage or heavy trash. The City of Houston says electronic scrap doesn't go to the curb.
- Houston residents can drop off computers, laptops, monitors, printers and other household electronics free at city recycling centers and Environmental Service Centers.
- Texas requires computer manufacturers to offer free recycling. Find your brand through Texas Recycles Computers.
- Best Buy recycles laptops, desktops and printers free. Monitors cost $29.99 each (Insignia/Dynex are free).
Your options in Houston
City recycling centers (Westpark, Clear Lake/Ellington, Kingwood) Free
The city's recycling centers accept "Electronics – computers, TVs, household electronics." The city's e-waste page says Westpark accepts residential electronics at no additional charge. Its accepted list includes computers, laptops, monitors, printers, routers, hubs, switches, servers, cables and power cords, UPS units, cell phones, telephones, copiers, fax machines, DVD players and VCRs, cable boxes, mice and keyboards, and ink and toner cartridges. The same page lists vacuum cleaners, game consoles, radios, clocks, microwaves, household alkaline batteries and appliances as not accepted. Residents may use these facilities up to four times per month, and a current Texas-issued ID is enough for recycling drop-offs.
- Westpark Center
- 5900 Westpark, Houston, TX 77057 · Tuesday–Saturday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
- Clear Lake/Ellington Airport
- 246 Loop Rd., Houston, TX 77034 · 7 days a week, 8 a.m.–8 p.m.
- Kingwood
- 3210 W. Lake Houston Pkwy, Houston, TX 77339 · Saturday and Sunday, 8 a.m.–6 p.m.
- Arrival
- City asks residents to arrive at least 30 minutes before closing.
Sources: City of Houston SWMD – Recycling Centers; City of Houston SWMD – Electronics & Recycling
Monthly Saturday e-waste drop-off events Free
The city lists two recurring electronics recycling events, 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Check the city's e-waste page for the current flyer before going.
- Kingwood Metro Transit Center
- 1st Saturday of each month, 9 a.m.–3 p.m.
- Ellington/Clear Lake Neighborhood Recycling Center
- 2nd Saturday of each month, 9 a.m.–3 p.m.
Environmental Service Centers (ESC) Free
Both ESCs accept residential electronic waste: computer equipment and components, monitors, printers, TVs and small electrical appliances. The city sets a limit of 5 large electronic items combined per visit. Electronic scrap and telephone equipment have no maximum. ESCs also take lithium-ion and rechargeable batteries (only those types) and up to 2 microwaves per visit.
- ESC South
- 11500 S. Post Oak Rd., Houston, TX 77035 · Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
- ESC North
- 5614 Neches St., Houston, TX 77026 · Second Thursday of each month, 9 a.m.–3 p.m.
Source: City of Houston SWMD – Environmental Service Centers
Manufacturer take-back (Texas Recycles Computers) Free
Texas requires computer-equipment manufacturers to offer consumers recycling. The TCEQ points households to TexasRecyclesComputers.org to find out how to recycle a computer for free by brand.
Source: TCEQ – Electronics Recycling
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 says "up to ten items per household per day" in one place and "limit three items per household per day" in the computing section, so call your store to confirm.
Don't do this
- Don't put computers or other electronics at the curb with garbage or heavy trash.
- Don't recycle a computer, phone or hard drive 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 Houston'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
Where can I recycle a computer for free in Houston?
Houston residents can drop off computers, laptops, monitors and printers free at the Westpark, Clear Lake/Ellington and Kingwood recycling centers, at the two Environmental Service Centers, or at the monthly Saturday e-waste events. Manufacturer programs listed at TexasRecyclesComputers.org are also free.
Can I put electronics in heavy trash in Houston?
No. The city's heavy trash guidelines say not to set out electronic scrap, and its e-waste page says electronics shouldn't go to the curb with garbage or heavy trash.
Does Best Buy take old laptops?
Yes. 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.
What electronics won't Houston's e-waste drop-offs take?
The city's e-waste page lists vacuum cleaners, game consoles, radios, clocks, microwaves, household alkaline batteries and large appliances as not accepted there. ESCs do take up to 2 microwaves per visit.
Sources
All checked on October 21, 2026. Rules, hours and fees change, so confirm with the source before you go.