Best Buy’s recycling program is changing. Here’s how and why. (2024)

FAQs

Best Buy’s recycling program is changing. Here’s how and why.? ›

Here's how and why. This week we introduced changes in our in-store recycling program that allow us to continue to provide this service for our customers. We are now charging customers $25 for each TV and computer monitor they recycle at our stores.

In California, retailers charge consumers an advance recycling fee (ARF) of $8-25 when they purchase covered electronics, which goes into a fund to pay for the collection and recycling of devices. The ARF enables consumers to recycle end of life electronic devices for free.

Retailing giant Best Buy (NYSE: BBY) has seen its recycling take-back program grow from a costly gamble into a fast-growing business that's making a little bit of money. “It's profitable. But just barely,” said Leo Raudys, senior director of environmental sustainability at Best Buy.

After you drop off your old tech, our trusted recycling partners will wipe any remaining data from devices before determining if the product can be repaired, repurposed or recycled, but you can also wipe your hard drive before coming in. Here's how to do it.

Check for television recycling programs and e-waste facilities in your area where you can drop off TVs and other electronics. They may also offer a pickup service.

Any metal recycling center will accept your copper-cored wires, and will likely accept most of your small electronics, in addition to other wires and cables. You can also sell or recycle your used electronics.

Within the first 60 days of the initial purchase, or any renewal term, you will be entitled to receive a refund for the full value of the amount paid for your yearly membership minus the value of any membership discounts, services or benefits already provided during the then-current term.

Recycling Can Save You Money on Your Trash Removal Cost

It costs an average of $30 per ton to recycle trash and $50 per ton to dump in a landfill. So, if you have a lot of recyclable materials, you can save yourself a significant amount of money by recycling them instead of throwing them away.

Items that can be refurbished or that may have parts that can be reused are separated and processed separately. Any computers, phones or other data-containing devices with hard drives entering the reuse market are wiped to Department of Defense specifications or the hard drives/memory cards are destroyed.

To dispose of your old television set, ask your waste disposal company or recycling service about electronic waste pick-up days or authorized e-waste disposal sites. You can also take your TV to a local recycling facility, donate it to a secondhand store, or sell it if it is in working condition.

How do I dispose of an old TV for free in PA? ›

Free Drop-off Locations

Devices can be dropped of Monday-Friday 7am-2:30pm at Vintage Tech Electronic Recyclers, 900 Wheeler Way, Suite B, Langhorne, PA 19047. This service is for PA and NJ residents. Details about what is being accepted can be found here.

Aluminum cans are among the most recyclable materials because they are 100% recyclable and can be reprocessed multiple times. Recycling aluminum uses only about 5% of the energy required for smelting, making it the material with the highest recycling energy savings of any major material.

Best Buy will recycle any eligible item at no charge (with the exception of scheduled in-home pickups, which include a fee). Please select your state from the drop-down menu on www.BestBuy.com/recycle to view program details for your area.

You should always destroy hard drives or other electronic devices before recycling because there is no way to ensure that equipment sent for recycling will not be accessed by information thieves.

E-waste is a hazardous waste. Disposing of it in landfills may harm both human health and the environmental. The Electronic Waste Recycling Act (EWRA) was signed into law in 2003 to address this e-waste issue.

Find a charity organization that will accept a donated television. Many thrift stores, such as Goodwill or the Salvation Army, accept older-model televisions still in working condition. Some technical colleges will accept both working and non-working sets to use as parts for students in training.

Recycling: The preferred option for tire disposal is recycling. Specialized facilities take in used tires and process them for various secondary uses. The recycling process often begins with a powerful shredder that breaks down the tire into smaller pieces.

Some items we sell (see below for the detailed list) have a restocking fee if returned by a customer. There is no restocking fee if the product is unopened, or if the purchase and the return both occur within: AL, CO, HI, IA, MS, OH, OK, SC and where prohibited by law. The restocking fee will be taxed in select states.

We are able to take a look at the unit in a free 20 minute appointment. We'll look to see what's going on and how it can be fixed. From there, it depends on the issue. To get started, I'd recommend making a reservation for your local Best Buy's Geek Squad.

5 cents for containers less than 24 ounces. 10 cents for containers 24 ounces or larger.

Why does California charge a recycling fee? ›

Helping your business succeed is important to the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA). The fees you collect and pay to the state provide funding for a program for consumers to return, recycle, and ensure safe and environmentally sound disposal of covered electronic devices (CEDs).