Storage.com
Clear the clutter. Keep what matters.
Compare U.S. storage units for the furniture and seasonal gear you want to keep after a cleanout.
Compare nearby storage unitsElectronics recycling
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.
Check local acceptanceUsually $0 at drop-off; premium working sets may resellLast reviewed July 28, 2026
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. Before you go, confirm that a local recycling center accepts the material in its current condition.
- Recycling route
- Check locally
- Typical value
- Usually $0 at drop-off; premium working sets may resell
- Donate / take-back
- Available
How to Prepare
- 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
Where to Recycle
- Best Buy (headphones free)
- Staples (earbuds, AirPods, headphones free)
- Apple Trade In / free recycle for Apple audio
- Municipal e-waste events
Nothing near you takes broken headphones and earbuds?TerraCycle’s E-Waste Zero Waste Box is a paid mail-in option, prepaid label included. Sponsored.
See PricingSpecial Instructions
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.
Environmental Impact
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.
Sustainable Alternatives
- Donate working headphones to schools
- Apple Trade In when credit is offered
Official guidance and resources
Accepted items and drop-off rules can vary by location. Check the destination before you go.
What’s Accepted
Accepted
- Over-ear, on-ear, earbuds, and headsets
- Wireless charging cases
Not Accepted
- Loose swollen lithium batteries
Donation & Take‑Back Options
Estimated value: Usually $0 at drop-off; premium working sets may resell
Donation
- Local schools and nonprofits (working units)
Manufacturer/Retail Take‑Back
Hazardous Components
- Lithium-ion cells in wireless buds and cases
- Magnets in drivers
FAQs
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.
Related recycling guides
- How to recycle Power Adapters
- How to recycle Digital Cameras
- How to recycle Hard Drives
- How to recycle DVD/Blu-ray Players
- How to recycle Guitars
- How to recycle Speakers
- How to recycle Ink & Toner Cartridges
- How to recycle Cables and Cords
- How to recycle Routers, Modems & Network Equipment
- How to recycle Keyboards and Mice
Recycle headphones
Search recycling centers by city or ZIP, or explore more electronics materials.