How to Get Rid of Old Computers, Laptops & Electronics in Philadelphia, PA

✓ Last verified October 29, 2026 against official Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and retailer sources. See sources.

Quick answer

Philadelphia doesn't collect computers, monitors or TVs at the curb, and Pennsylvania law bans them from the trash.
Take electronics to any of the six Sanitation Convenience Centers, Monday–Saturday, 8 a.m.–6 p.m. It's free, and you need proof of Philadelphia residency.
Lithium and rechargeable batteries also go in the battery containers at the convenience centers.
Household hazardous waste events don't take electronics. The city sends computers to the convenience centers.

Illustration of old electronics: a laptop, a computer monitor, a keyboard, a phone and cables

Your options in Philadelphia

Sanitation Convenience Center drop-off Free

The six centers take electronic waste, including computers, monitors and televisions. They also have containers for fluorescent bulbs and lithium, rechargeable and lead-acid batteries. Show proof that you live in Philadelphia. Personal or commercial vehicles under 6,000 pounds total weight are allowed, but commercial contractors and commercial loads aren't. Centers are closed on City holidays.

Hours: Monday–Saturday, 8 a.m.–6 p.m. (closed City holidays)
Locations: Southwest: 3033 S. 63rd St., near Passyunk Ave. (215-685-4290) · Northwest: 300 block Domino Ln., near Umbria St. (215-685-2502) · West: 5100 Grays Ave. (215-685-2600) · Port Richmond: 3901 Delaware Ave. (215-685-1358) · Strawberry Mansion: 2601 Glenwood Ave. (215-685-4293) · Northeast: State Rd. & Ashburner St. (215-685-8072)
Bring: Proof of Philadelphia residency

Sources: City of Philadelphia – Find a sanitation convenience center; City of Philadelphia – Sanitation Recycling & Holiday Guide 2025 (PDF; center addresses and phone numbers); City of Philadelphia – Residential trash and recycling rules

Manufacturer take-back and other collection programs Varies

Under Pennsylvania's Covered Device Recycling Act, manufacturers that sell computers, monitors and TVs in the state must offer consumers a recycling program. Pennsylvania DEP keeps a list of electronics collection programs by county and says to contact a program first: not every site takes every device, most municipal programs have residency rules, and some charge fees. Retailers such as Best Buy also take electronics; check the store's terms.

Sources: Pennsylvania DEP – Covered Device Recycling Act FAQs (PDF); Pennsylvania DEP – Electronics Collection Programs; Best Buy – Electronics and Appliances Recycling

Pile of old electronics: a tube TV, flat-screen monitor, computer tower, printer, laptop and cables — TVs, computers & electronics: check the Philadelphia rules above before you set anything out or drive it to a drop-off.

Don't do this

Don't put a computer, monitor, printer or TV out with the trash. They're covered by Pennsylvania's disposal ban.
Don't bring computers to a household hazardous waste event. The city says to use a convenience center.
Wipe or remove the hard drive before you recycle a computer.

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 Philadelphia's rules, especially for electronics and paint. Another option is to hire moving helpers by the hour: they do the lifting, and with a truck they can drive it to a drop-off site. They move it where you tell them, so pick a legal destination from this guide.

Rather not haul it? See prices for pickup help in the Philadelphia area

Someone else does the lifting for your electronics. You choose the day and where it goes.

Pickup truck bed with an old TV, mattress, armchair and dresser at a recycling drop-off yard

Hourly helpers + truck

Hourly movers/helpers with a truck, you direct the job: they carry it out and drive it where you say. Not a junk-removal company.
See prices & book helpers
HireAHelper lists independent moving helpers paid by the hour. It is not a junk-removal company: they move it where you tell them, so pick a legal drop-off from this guide. Prices depend on your job, and any drop-off fee is separate.

Sponsored link: we may earn a commission if you book, at no extra cost to you. Disclosure.

Frequently asked questions

Where can I recycle a computer in Philadelphia?

At any of the six Sanitation Convenience Centers, Monday–Saturday, 8 a.m.–6 p.m., free with proof of Philadelphia residency.

What counts as a covered device in Pennsylvania?

Desktop and laptop computers, computer monitors, computer peripherals like keyboards and printers, and TVs. Pennsylvania bans them from municipal waste.

Where do batteries go in Philadelphia?

The city lists lithium, rechargeable and lead-acid batteries for the battery containers at the Sanitation Convenience Centers. For regular non-rechargeable batteries in the trash, the city says to tape both ends.

Sources

All checked on October 29, 2026. Rules, hours and fees change, so confirm with the source before you go.