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Computer Recycling in Cambridge, MA

Cambridge residents can drop computers at the Recycling Center at 147 Hampshire St.; small monitors go to the curb on trash day, and Goodwill takes computers free through Dell Reconnect.

See all 4 options
Open laptop computer on a marble surface
Illustrative item photographDell / Unsplash (opens in new tab)

Checked October 26, 2026 · Call before you go · How we check

4 ways to get rid of a computer in Cambridge

Tap an option to see the address, hours, cost and rules.

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  1. CurbCycle PickupPickup from your home · CambridgeNo haulingWe recycle it for youFrom $85.00
    How it works

    Book online, set out your computer and we’ll pick it up and recycle it for you. You see your price before you book and pay only after pickup.

    Book a pickup →

  2. Goodwill – CambridgeDrop-off · 520 Massachusetts Avenue, CambridgeOpen to everyoneFree
    Where

    520 Massachusetts Avenue
    Cambridge, MA 02139

    Hours

    Store hours Mon–Sat 10 a.m.–7 p.m., Sun 12–6 p.m. (all stores accept donations)

    Cost & rules

    Computers

    AcceptedFree (documented)
    • Back up and erase personal data before donating.

    Full details & sourcesOfficial site (opens in new tab)

  3. Cambridge Recycling Center (DPW yard)Drop-off · 147 Hampshire St., CambridgeCambridge residentsCost not listed
    Where

    147 Hampshire St.
    Cambridge, MA 02139

    Hours

    Tue and Thu 4–7:30 p.m.; Sat 9 a.m.–4 p.m.

    Cost & rules

    Computers

    AcceptedCost unknown

    Fees aren’t recorded. Don’t assume drop-off is free.

    Full details & sourcesOfficial site (opens in new tab)

  4. Cambridge appliance and large item disposal permit (curbside)City service · CambridgeCambridge residentsCost not listed
    How it works

    Cambridge DPW collects large items at the curb, usually Wednesday or Thursday, curbside by 7 a.m. A paid permit (online or at 147 Hampshire St.) is required for air conditioners, washers and dryers, dehumidifiers, refrigerators and freezers (doors removed), stoves, TVs and monitors over 20 inches, water coolers and heaters, and motorized exercise equipment. A free permit is needed for small exercise equipment, bicycles, lawnmowers, radiators, snow blowers and metal filing cabinets/desks. No permit is needed for one piece of furniture per week (couches, tables), small electronics such as microwaves, or TVs/monitors 20 inches or smaller. No commercial items.

    Cost & rules
    • Monitors 20 inches or smaller, with hard drive, keyboard and mouse, go out on collection day without a permit; larger monitors need a paid permit.

    Official page (opens in new tab)

Before you go

  1. List each device and describe any damage to the operator.
  2. Back up your files and erase the device using the maker’s instructions.
  3. Ask whether documented data destruction is offered and what it costs.
More about computers

Massachusetts rules

More Massachusetts rules (16)
Where this information comes from (26)

Where this information comes from

Checked October 26, 2026

  • City of Cambridge: Furniture, Appliance, Large Item Disposal (opens in new tab) · City of Cambridge Department of Public Works
    • TVs and computer monitors with screens over 20 inches diagonal and larger motorized exercise equipment need a paid permit. Checked October 26, 2026.
    • Small TVs and monitors (20 inches or less) need no permit; place them near the curb by 7 a.m. on collection day with hard drive, keyboard or mouse if desired. Checked October 26, 2026.
    • Permits are bought online or in person at 147 Hampshire Street; most items are scheduled for Wednesday or Thursday, curbside by 7 a.m. No commercial or industrial items. Checked October 26, 2026.
  • City of Cambridge: Recycling Center (opens in new tab) · City of Cambridge Department of Public Works
    • The Recycling Center accepts batteries (sort alkaline from others), electronics such as small appliances, computers and cell phones, scrap metal items (no appliances) and blue-cart recyclables including cardboard. Checked October 26, 2026.
    • The Recycle Center is open to Cambridge residents and to Cambridge small businesses and nonprofits with 50 or fewer employees. Checked October 26, 2026.
  • Morgan Memorial Goodwill Industries: All Locations & Hours (opens in new tab) · Morgan Memorial Goodwill Industries
    • Goodwill Cambridge is at 520 Massachusetts Avenue, 02139; 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.
  • 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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