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An expert answers questions about how to recycle a laptop and other difficult items to be greener in 2026.
For most of us, our recycling journey begins and ends with a bin with a chasing arrows symbol on it. Occasionally, we’ll rinse food containers, break apart boxes, and sometimes old clothing is donated or repurposed. But, for the most part, recycling is a simple activity.
Then, there are those moments when the rules are more complicated, and the questions about whether or not you should put your laptop into the recycling bin are plenty. (Spoiler: you should not). These are the moments when we lean on experts like Olivia Parks. As the owner of Professional Organizers Baton Rouge, Olivia has worked with hundreds of homeowners to help them declutter and organize their living spaces. And that means Olivia has visited quite a few donation bins and recycling centers as she and her team help clients streamline their lives.
Getting to know how to properly recycle a laptop, cell phones, and other electronics can drastically reduce hazardous toxins, which can cause everything from respiratory issues to neurological damage, in our environment. Electronics in landfills, called e-waste, amount to 68 million tons globally. Made from a combination of metals, minerals, and chemicals, e-waste becomes toxic when burned during processing or improperly handled. Communities close to these landfill sites or those whose job it is to sort e-waste are at risk of high exposure to contaminants such as lead, mercury, arsenic, and brominated flame retardants.
For a long time, e-waste recycling rested solely on customers. Recently, twenty states have adopted e-waste recycling laws to protect communities and customers who buy these products. Whether or not you live in one of these twenty states, it’s always a good idea to learn how to properly recycle hard-to-recycle items like laptops and cell phones. Olivia shares her tips about recycling and reducing waste.
What items do you see thrown out after the Holidays that we can recycle or compost?
After the holidays, I see a lot of cardboard boxes, paper packaging, gift wrap, and food waste being thrown away. Cardboard, plain paper, and boxes can usually be recycled, while any food waste should be composted. Make sure to double-check any wrapper before you recycle it, anything shiny or glittery should be tossed.
What should we do with old headphones, laptops, phones, etc.?
Old phones, laptops, headphones, and other electronics should not be thrown away in the trash. I often recommend taking them to stores like Best Buy, which offer electronics recycling programs.
What other resources are there to learn how to recycle e-waste?
I’d recommend starting by looking at your local waste or recycling website in your city, since rules vary by area. You can also search online for local recycling drop-off and recycling centers near you. These sites usually list what they can and cannot recycle and take, as well as other recommendations on where to take items that are harder to recycle.
What items do you see people throw out that you think they should never toss?
I often see many people tossing clothing and linens. But instead of tossing these, I would highly recommend donating them to your local donation center, homeless shelter, or even animal shelter so they can be repurposed and benefit someone else or even animals.
What advice do you have to recycle better?
I’d suggest starting simple. Learn what your local recycling program accepts, and first focus on doing that correctly. Make sure you have all of the proper bins – compost, trash, and recycling – and start by building those correct habits at home and being consistent with them.
Has there been a zero-waste habit that has changed your life?
The biggest change and habit for me has been slowing down before I go out and buy things and bring them into my home. When I do need to purchase something, I try to choose reusable, earth-friendly options and avoid single-use plastics whenever possible.
