Computer Recycling in Ann Arbor, MI
Computers can go to the Drop-Off Station (monitors $20 each, other electronics priced at the gate) or back to the manufacturer under Michigan's free take-back law.
See all 3 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.
Michigan rules
- MCL 324.17309: since April 1, 2010, a consumer does not pay a separate fee when returning a covered computer to its manufacturer or the manufacturer's designee. Source: MCL 324.17309 Computer takeback program (opens in new tab)
- A "computer" under Part 173 is a desktop or laptop computer, a computer monitor, or (since April 1, 2011) a printer; PDAs and mobile phones are not included. Source: MCL 324.17301 Electronics: definitions (opens in new tab)
More Michigan rules (8)
- EGLE treats a tablet as a computer in most cases. Source: EGLE FAQ: Michigan electronics takeback program (opens in new tab)
- Lead in CRTs makes computers hazardous waste when thrown out by regulated generators, but residents are exempt from hazardous waste regulations. Source: EGLE: Electronic Waste (opens in new tab)
- EGLE: take leftover household hazardous products to a local collection when one is available; never pour them down a storm drain or household drain. Source: EGLE: Household hazardous waste (opens in new tab)
- If there is no local collection, EGLE says to ask your trash hauler for instructions on safe disposal in the regular trash. Source: EGLE: Household hazardous waste (opens in new tab)
- Household hazardous waste (solvents, cleansers, pesticides) is not banned from Michigan landfills, though EGLE says it is not well suited to them. Source: EGLE: Landfill Prohibited Materials and Special Wastes (guidance, rev. 3/2021) (opens in new tab)
- HHW collections are run by local governments or commercial recyclers; many are temporary or seasonal, so call before going. Source: EGLE: Where can I take my household hazardous waste? (opens in new tab)
- EGLE keeps a county-by-county list of local collection contacts; if your community is not listed, call your city, township or county. Source: EGLE: Where can I take my household hazardous waste? (opens in new tab)
- EGLE suggests looking for retail take-back of electronics, batteries, light bulbs, medications, motor oil and antifreeze when buying replacements. Source: EGLE: Where can I take my household hazardous waste? (opens in new tab)
Where this information comes from (33)
Where this information comes from
Checked October 26, 2026
- Drop-Off Station (opens in new tab) · Recycle Ann Arbor
- The Drop-Off Station serves residents and businesses in Washtenaw County and beyond; electronics, appliances, freon appliances and tires are among the hard-to-recycle materials it takes. Checked October 26, 2026.
- Drop-Off Station Prices (opens in new tab) · Recycle Ann Arbor
- All customers pay a gate fee, once per day: residential $3 per day, large volume (2 yards and up) $15 per day. Additional fees apply by material. Checked October 26, 2026.
- E-waste and appliance fees: TV $1 per diagonal screen inch, monitors $20 each, microwave $5, freon appliances (refrigerators, freezers, A/C units, dehumidifiers) $30 each. Checked October 26, 2026.
- Other electronics and appliances cost $2-15 each, assessed at the gatehouse by component makeup. Checked October 26, 2026.
- Drop-Off Options (opens in new tab) · City of Ann Arbor
- Ann Arbor residents can apply for a Drop-Off Station pass that waives the gate entry fee (currently $3); fees still apply for large items and some hard-to-recycle materials. Checked October 26, 2026.
- The gate-fee pass is only for Ann Arbor residents, not commercial users. Checked October 26, 2026.
- Home Toxics Disposal (opens in new tab) · City of Ann Arbor
- The city says the Drop-Off Station accepts computers, printers, scanners, televisions, cell phones and many other electronics for recycling; some fees may apply. Checked October 26, 2026.
- The city lists Best Buy, 3100 Lohr Road, as accepting all televisions, computers, printers and many other electronics for free recycling. Checked October 26, 2026.
- Donate to the ReStore (opens in new tab) · Habitat for Humanity of Huron Valley
- The ReStore takes item donations Tuesday-Saturday 10:00am-5:30pm at 6241 Jackson Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48103. Checked October 26, 2026.
- The ReStore does not accept electronic equipment (televisions, computers, monitors, printers) or exercise equipment other than dumbbells and weights. Checked October 26, 2026.
- Trash (opens in new tab) · City of Ann Arbor
- Televisions, computers and other electronics are not allowed in Ann Arbor trash carts. Checked October 26, 2026.
- EGLE: Electronic Waste Takeback Program (opens in new tab) · Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE)
- Manufacturers must run a convenient takeback program so consumers can return covered devices to the manufacturer or its representative at no charge. Checked October 26, 2026.
- Covered electronic devices include desktop and laptop computers, monitors, tablets, televisions and printers. Checked October 26, 2026.
- EGLE FAQ: Michigan electronics takeback program (opens in new tab) · Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE)
- EGLE says consumers do not pay a fee to recycle a computer or television covered under the program; it is meant to be a free takeback system paid for by manufacturers. Checked October 26, 2026.
- Manufacturers' no-cost return options are mainly mail-back programs, linked from the manufacturers' websites and their registration documents. Checked October 26, 2026.
- EGLE keeps a list of registered manufacturers with links to each manufacturer's page explaining where covered equipment can be recycled. Checked October 26, 2026.
- Computer manufacturers only have to take back their own brands; television manufacturers must take back any brand of television. Checked October 26, 2026.
- EGLE treats a tablet as a computer in most cases. Checked October 26, 2026.
- A consumer is a person who used the computer or television mainly for personal or small business purposes in Michigan. Checked October 26, 2026.
- A small business under the law has 10 or fewer employees. Checked October 26, 2026.
- A collector that is not directly part of a manufacturer's takeback program may charge a reasonable fee. Checked October 26, 2026.
- MCL 324.17309 Computer takeback program (opens in new tab) · Michigan Legislature (Michigan Compiled Laws)
- MCL 324.17309: since April 1, 2010, a consumer does not pay a separate fee when returning a covered computer to its manufacturer or the manufacturer's designee. Checked October 26, 2026.
- Collection methods that can meet the convenience requirement include mail or shipping, a staffed permanent local collection site, periodic local collection events, or drop-off at a retailer. Checked October 26, 2026.
- A manufacturer's computer takeback program does not have to accept more than 7 covered computers from one consumer on one day. Checked October 26, 2026.
- MCL 324.17301 Electronics: definitions (opens in new tab) · Michigan Legislature (Michigan Compiled Laws)
- A "computer" under Part 173 is a desktop or laptop computer, a computer monitor, or (since April 1, 2011) a printer; PDAs and mobile phones are not included. Checked October 26, 2026.
- Computer peripherals such as mice and detachable or wireless keyboards are not covered computers. Checked October 26, 2026.
- EGLE: Electronic Waste (opens in new tab) · Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE)
- Lead in CRTs makes computers hazardous waste when thrown out by regulated generators, but residents are exempt from hazardous waste regulations. Checked October 26, 2026.
- EGLE: Household hazardous waste (opens in new tab) · Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE)
- EGLE: take leftover household hazardous products to a local collection when one is available; never pour them down a storm drain or household drain. Checked October 26, 2026.
- If there is no local collection, EGLE says to ask your trash hauler for instructions on safe disposal in the regular trash. Checked October 26, 2026.
- EGLE: Landfill Prohibited Materials and Special Wastes (guidance, rev. 3/2021) (opens in new tab) · Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE)
- Household hazardous waste (solvents, cleansers, pesticides) is not banned from Michigan landfills, though EGLE says it is not well suited to them. Checked October 26, 2026.
- EGLE: Where can I take my household hazardous waste? (opens in new tab) · Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE)
- HHW collections are run by local governments or commercial recyclers; many are temporary or seasonal, so call before going. Checked October 26, 2026.
- EGLE keeps a county-by-county list of local collection contacts; if your community is not listed, call your city, township or county. Checked October 26, 2026.
- EGLE suggests looking for retail take-back of electronics, batteries, light bulbs, medications, motor oil and antifreeze when buying replacements. 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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