Computer Recycling in Boston, MA
Boston collects laptops and computer monitors by special-item appointment, takes computers at Zero Waste Days, and Goodwill takes computers free through Dell Reconnect.
See all 8 options
Checked October 26, 2026 · Call before you go · How we check
Before you go
- List each device and describe any damage to the operator.
- Back up your files and erase the device using the maker’s instructions.
- Ask whether documented data destruction is offered and what it costs.
Massachusetts rules
- Older CRT computer monitors are on the Massachusetts waste ban list. Source: MassDEP Fact Sheet: What are Massachusetts Waste Bans? (opens in new tab)
- A CRT is any intact, broken or processed glass tube used for the visual display in televisions, computer monitors and some scientific instruments. Source: 310 CMR 19.000: Solid Waste Management Facility Regulations (incl. 19.017 Waste Bans) (opens in new tab)
More Massachusetts rules (16)
- MassDEP introduced its first bans on landfilling and combustion of easy-to-recycle and toxic materials in 1990 and has phased in more since. Source: MassDEP Waste Disposal Bans (opens in new tab)
- Materials banned from disposal or transfer for disposal in Massachusetts include cathode ray tubes, ferrous and non-ferrous metals, lead acid batteries, mattresses, recyclable paper and cardboard, textiles, white goods and whole tires (landfills only). Source: MassDEP Waste Disposal Bans (opens in new tab)
- The MassDEP waste disposal bans are in section 19.017 of the Solid Waste Management Facility Regulations, 310 CMR 19.000. Source: MassDEP Waste Disposal Bans (opens in new tab)
- 310 CMR 19.017(3): no person may dispose, transfer for disposal, or contract for disposal or transport of a restricted material except as the regulation allows, and violators may face MassDEP enforcement. Source: 310 CMR 19.000: Solid Waste Management Facility Regulations (incl. 19.017 Waste Bans) (opens in new tab)
- No landfill, transfer facility or combustion facility may accept a restricted material except to handle, recycle or compost it under a MassDEP-approved plan. Source: 310 CMR 19.000: Solid Waste Management Facility Regulations (incl. 19.017 Waste Bans) (opens in new tab)
- For residents, most banned materials are collected through regular municipal collection or drop-off programs, while larger items such as CRTs or appliances may go through separate collections or drop-off events. Source: MassDEP Fact Sheet: What are Massachusetts Waste Bans? (opens in new tab)
- MassDEP notes that vehicle batteries, tires and cathode ray tubes may in some cases be collected by retailers. Source: MassDEP Fact Sheet: What are Massachusetts Waste Bans? (opens in new tab)
- Residents with private (non-municipal) trash collection should ask their service provider for recycling options. Source: MassDEP Fact Sheet: What are Massachusetts Waste Bans? (opens in new tab)
- MassDEP generally does not issue waste-ban enforcement to individuals; it typically targets businesses, institutions (including municipalities) and haulers. Source: MassDEP: Waste Ban on Mattresses and Textiles, Frequently Asked Questions (opens in new tab)
- For local recycling and household hazardous product collection days and hours, MassDEP tells residents to contact their community's recycling or solid waste coordinator or department. Source: Mass.gov: How & Where to Recycle (opens in new tab)
- MassDEP's Beyond the Bin directory lists outlets for items that can't go in the home recycling bin. MassDEP does not collect materials itself, listings are self-reported, and you should call ahead. Source: Recycle Smart MA (a MassDEP service): Beyond the Bin Search Directory (opens in new tab)
- Since November 2022, textiles (clothing, footwear, bedding, curtains, fabric) are banned from disposal in Massachusetts, even worn, torn or stained items. Source: MassDEP: Clothing and Textile Recovery (opens in new tab)
- Pillows, cushions and rugs are not "textiles" under the ban and may go in the trash. Source: MassDEP: Waste Ban on Mattresses and Textiles, Frequently Asked Questions (opens in new tab)
- Household hazardous products (old chemicals, cleaners, paint, pesticides) don't belong in the recycling bin, the trash or the drain. Store them until a community HHW collection or take them to a local, regional or commercial facility. Source: Mass.gov: How & Where to Recycle (opens in new tab)
- MassDEP lists approved household hazardous product collection facilities. Call or check each facility's website for items, fees and hours. Source: Mass.gov: Safely Manage Household Hazardous Products (opens in new tab)
- Questions about household hazardous products can go to MassDEP at 866-963-7287 or massdep.hhp@mass.gov. Source: Mass.gov: Safely Manage Household Hazardous Products (opens in new tab)
Where this information comes from (39)
Where this information comes from
Checked October 26, 2026
- City of Boston Public Works: Special Collection Items (opens in new tab) · City of Boston Public Works Department
- Items with cathode ray tubes collected by appointment: televisions, laptops and computer monitors. Checked October 26, 2026.
- Special item collection is limited to 10 items per calendar year, with at most 5 items per appointment. Checked October 26, 2026.
- Boston does not collect any special items without an appointment and does not collect commercial-grade items. Checked October 26, 2026.
- TVs and computers must be freestanding, not boxed, when set out; wipe data from computers first and do not smash electronics. Checked October 26, 2026.
- City of Boston Public Works: Zero Waste Days (opens in new tab) · City of Boston Public Works Department
- Zero Waste events are for Boston residents only, with a photo ID, utility bill or lease as proof; business waste is not accepted. Checked October 26, 2026.
- Electronics accepted at Zero Waste Days include cell phones, computers, computer monitors and TVs, cords, keyboards, microwaves, printers, tablets and VCR/DVD players. Checked October 26, 2026.
- Morgan Memorial Goodwill Industries: All Locations & Hours (opens in new tab) · Morgan Memorial Goodwill Industries
- Goodwill Allston/Brighton is at 965 Commonwealth Avenue, 02215; all Goodwill stores accept donations. Checked October 26, 2026.
- Goodwill Boston (Harrison Avenue) is at 1010 Harrison Avenue, 02119; all Goodwill stores accept donations. Checked October 26, 2026.
- Goodwill Hyde Park is at 892 River Street, 02136; all Goodwill stores accept donations. Checked October 26, 2026.
- Goodwill Jamaica Plain is at 678 Centre Street, 02130; all Goodwill stores accept donations. Checked October 26, 2026.
- Goodwill South Boston is at 470 West Broadway, 02127; all Goodwill stores accept donations. Checked October 26, 2026.
- Morgan Memorial Goodwill Industries: What to Donate (opens in new tab) · Morgan Memorial Goodwill Industries
- Through Dell Reconnect, Goodwill takes old computers for donation free of charge; computers and parts are recycled in the U.S. Checked October 26, 2026.
- Goodwill takes desktop and laptop computers, phones, tablets and monitors from individual households. Checked October 26, 2026.
- Through Dell Reconnect, Goodwill takes old computers for donation free of charge; computers and parts are recycled in the U.S. Checked October 26, 2026.
- Goodwill takes desktop and laptop computers, phones, tablets and monitors from individual households. Checked October 26, 2026.
- Through Dell Reconnect, Goodwill takes old computers for donation free of charge; computers and parts are recycled in the U.S. Checked October 26, 2026.
- Goodwill takes desktop and laptop computers, phones, tablets and monitors from individual households. Checked October 26, 2026.
- Through Dell Reconnect, Goodwill takes old computers for donation free of charge; computers and parts are recycled in the U.S. Checked October 26, 2026.
- Goodwill takes desktop and laptop computers, phones, tablets and monitors from individual households. Checked October 26, 2026.
- Through Dell Reconnect, Goodwill takes old computers for donation free of charge; computers and parts are recycled in the U.S. Checked October 26, 2026.
- Goodwill takes desktop and laptop computers, phones, tablets and monitors from individual households. Checked October 26, 2026.
- MassDEP Waste Disposal Bans (opens in new tab) · Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP)
- MassDEP introduced its first bans on landfilling and combustion of easy-to-recycle and toxic materials in 1990 and has phased in more since. Checked October 26, 2026.
- Materials banned from disposal or transfer for disposal in Massachusetts include cathode ray tubes, ferrous and non-ferrous metals, lead acid batteries, mattresses, recyclable paper and cardboard, textiles, white goods and whole tires (landfills only). Checked October 26, 2026.
- The MassDEP waste disposal bans are in section 19.017 of the Solid Waste Management Facility Regulations, 310 CMR 19.000. Checked October 26, 2026.
- 310 CMR 19.000: Solid Waste Management Facility Regulations (incl. 19.017 Waste Bans) (opens in new tab) · Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP)
- 310 CMR 19.017(3): no person may dispose, transfer for disposal, or contract for disposal or transport of a restricted material except as the regulation allows, and violators may face MassDEP enforcement. Checked October 26, 2026.
- No landfill, transfer facility or combustion facility may accept a restricted material except to handle, recycle or compost it under a MassDEP-approved plan. Checked October 26, 2026.
- A CRT is any intact, broken or processed glass tube used for the visual display in televisions, computer monitors and some scientific instruments. Checked October 26, 2026.
- MassDEP Fact Sheet: What are Massachusetts Waste Bans? (opens in new tab) · Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP)
- For residents, most banned materials are collected through regular municipal collection or drop-off programs, while larger items such as CRTs or appliances may go through separate collections or drop-off events. Checked October 26, 2026.
- MassDEP notes that vehicle batteries, tires and cathode ray tubes may in some cases be collected by retailers. Checked October 26, 2026.
- Residents with private (non-municipal) trash collection should ask their service provider for recycling options. Checked October 26, 2026.
- Older CRT computer monitors are on the Massachusetts waste ban list. Checked October 26, 2026.
- MassDEP: Waste Ban on Mattresses and Textiles, Frequently Asked Questions (opens in new tab) · Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP)
- MassDEP generally does not issue waste-ban enforcement to individuals; it typically targets businesses, institutions (including municipalities) and haulers. Checked October 26, 2026.
- Pillows, cushions and rugs are not "textiles" under the ban and may go in the trash. Checked October 26, 2026.
- Mass.gov: How & Where to Recycle (opens in new tab) · Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP)
- For local recycling and household hazardous product collection days and hours, MassDEP tells residents to contact their community's recycling or solid waste coordinator or department. Checked October 26, 2026.
- Household hazardous products (old chemicals, cleaners, paint, pesticides) don't belong in the recycling bin, the trash or the drain. Store them until a community HHW collection or take them to a local, regional or commercial facility. Checked October 26, 2026.
- Recycle Smart MA (a MassDEP service): Beyond the Bin Search Directory (opens in new tab) · Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP)
- MassDEP's Beyond the Bin directory lists outlets for items that can't go in the home recycling bin. MassDEP does not collect materials itself, listings are self-reported, and you should call ahead. Checked October 26, 2026.
- MassDEP: Clothing and Textile Recovery (opens in new tab) · Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP)
- Since November 2022, textiles (clothing, footwear, bedding, curtains, fabric) are banned from disposal in Massachusetts, even worn, torn or stained items. Checked October 26, 2026.
- Mass.gov: Safely Manage Household Hazardous Products (opens in new tab) · Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP)
- MassDEP lists approved household hazardous product collection facilities. Call or check each facility's website for items, fees and hours. Checked October 26, 2026.
- Questions about household hazardous products can go to MassDEP at 866-963-7287 or massdep.hhp@mass.gov. Checked October 26, 2026.
“Checked” means we read the official page on that date. Things can change, so call before you go.
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