How to Recycle Keyboards and Mice
Wired and wireless keyboards, mice, and similar input devices. Wireless units often hide coin cells or AA packs that need battery recycling if removed.
Quick answer
Pull batteries from wireless keyboards and mice, then drop the devices free at Best Buy, Staples, or Dell Reconnect. They are e-waste, not curbside plastic. Keep USB receivers with the mouse when you can.
- Recyclable
- Yes
- Typical value
- Usually $0 at drop-off; mechanical keyboards may resell
- Donate / take-back
- Available
- 1Remove batteries from wireless models
- 2Recycle batteries through Battery Network, retail battery bins, or HHW
- 3Wipe dust and crumbs if donating
- 4Keep USB unifying receivers with the device
- Best Buy (free)
- Staples (free)
- Dell Reconnect
- Municipal e-waste events
Curbside recycling is the wrong bin. Circuit boards and batteries belong in e-waste. Best Buy and Staples list keyboards and mice free for residents.
Boards and plastics are recovered through e-waste processing. Coin cells and rechargeable packs are a fire and metal hazard in trash if left loose.
- Donate clean working sets to schools
- Reuse receivers and spare keyboards as backups
Accepted
- USB, Bluetooth, and wireless keyboards and mice
- Gaming keyboards and mice
- Trackpads and presenters with electronics
Not Accepted
- Leaking batteries left inside (remove and use battery recycling)
Estimated value: Usually $0 at drop-off; mechanical keyboards may resell
Donation
- Local schools and nonprofits
Manufacturer/Retail Take‑Back
- Lithium coin cells in some wireless devices
- Lead solder on small circuit boards
Can I put a keyboard in curbside recycling?
No. Treat it as e-waste. Retail bins at Best Buy and Staples are the easy path.
What about wireless batteries?
Remove them before drop-off when they come out easily. Use a battery recycling program. Do not trash lithium coin cells.
Do thrift stores take keyboards?
Many take clean, working sets. Broken units go to e-waste.
Recycling centers that accept Keyboards and Mice
RecycleFind lists recycling centers that accept keyboards and mice. Open a listing for hours, contact info, and directions.