How to Recycle Headphones
Over-ear headphones, earbuds, and charging cases. Wireless models hide small lithium cells. Cases are part of the e-waste item, not household trash.
Quick answer
Drop wired or wireless headphones and earbud cases free at Best Buy or Staples. Include charging cases. Tiny Li-ion cells in buds and cases are a fire hazard in trash. Unpair Bluetooth and reset AirPods before Apple recycle or trade-in.
- Recyclable
- Yes
- Typical value
- Usually $0 at drop-off; premium working sets may resell
- Donate / take-back
- Available
- 1Unpair Bluetooth devices from phones and computers
- 2For AirPods, follow Apple's reset and unlink steps before recycle or trade-in
- 3Include charging cases with earbuds
- 4Remove replaceable batteries from older wired wireless headsets when they come out easily
- Best Buy (headphones free)
- Staples (earbuds, AirPods, headphones free)
- Apple Trade In / free recycle for Apple audio
- Municipal e-waste events
Do not trash earbud cases. The case battery is a common landfill fire starter. Apple takes AirPods and accessories through Trade In or free recycle. Best Buy and Staples list headphones and earbuds free for residents.
Earbud cases hide pouch Li-ion cells that start trash-truck fires when crushed. Include the case with the buds at e-waste drop-off. Wired cans mostly yield copper and plastic through the same stream.
While recycling old headphones is important, choosing eco-friendly headphones for your next purchase can help combat the massive e-waste crisis. These headphones incorporate sustainable features like recycled or biodegradable materials and modular, repairable designs to extend product lifespan.
High-quality sustainable options from brands like House of Marley and AIAIAI prove that you don't have to sacrifice audio performance for environmental responsibility. Making conscious choices about both purchasing and properly recycling electronics helps reduce environmental impact.
Eco-Friendly Headphones Guide
Learn about the top 10 sustainable headphone options, eco-friendly features to look for, and how to make environmentally conscious audio choices.
Read the Complete GuidePro tip: When your current headphones reach end-of-life, recycle them properly using the steps above, then consider eco-friendly alternatives for your replacement purchase.
- Donate working headphones to schools
- Apple Trade In when credit is offered
Accepted
- Over-ear, on-ear, earbuds, and headsets
- Wireless charging cases
Not Accepted
- Loose swollen lithium batteries
Estimated value: Usually $0 at drop-off; premium working sets may resell
Donation
- Local schools and nonprofits (working units)
Manufacturer/Retail Take‑Back
- Lithium-ion cells in wireless buds and cases
- Magnets in drivers
Can earbuds be recycled?
Yes. Include the charging case. Best Buy and Staples accept them free for residents.
Why not throw dead AirPods in the trash?
The buds and case contain lithium cells that can ignite in trash and recycling trucks.
Do I need to reset AirPods?
Yes before trade-in or recycle. Unlink them from your Apple ID and reset so they are not tied to your account.
Recycling centers that accept Headphones
RecycleFind lists recycling centers that accept headphones. Open a listing for hours, contact info, and directions.