Electronics recycling
How to Recycle Guitars
Acoustic, electric, and bass guitars are mixed wood, metal, finish, and sometimes electronics. They are a reuse and donation product first. Only separated electronics, strings, and scrap metal follow recycling paths.
Special handlingRepairable guitars are worth more as instruments than as scrap; strings and hardware scrap value is lowLast reviewed July 28, 2026
Quick answer
Do not recycle a whole guitar as e-waste. Repair, sell, or donate playable instruments first. Best Buy rejects guitars, basses, and cases. Recycle strings of any brand through D'Addario Playback (TerraCycle). Route pickups, pedals, and amps to e-waste separately.
- Recycling route
- Special handling
- Typical value
- Repairable guitars are worth more as instruments than as scrap; strings and hardware scrap value is low
- Donate / take-back
- Available
How to Prepare
- 1Check whether the guitar is playable or worth a setup before parting it out
- 2