Best Buy’s offer to take away and recycle unused tech and equipment for a fee of $199. The self-contained transportation service includes pickup of two large items, like a TV or washing machine, and an unlimited number of smaller items, from laptops to printers. Best Buy then sends your products to a “trusted recycling partner” where they are reused, repaired or recycled.
You can see the entire list of products that Best Buy will collect and recycle on the Transportation Services page, separated into large and small items. Best Buy says you have to do all the disconnecting and disassembling yourself so the techs can actually remove it from your home.
Best Buy’s existing recycling program accepts TVs and monitors in stores for $29.99
The service costs 20 percent less for members of Best Buy’s Totaltech subscription, at around $159. Totaltech subscription is $199.99/year for exclusive pricing, free two-day shipping and Geek Squad tech support. Best Buy has used the program as a costly way for people to get easier access to Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5 consoles, which usually sell out instantly (the Xbox Series X has been a little easier to buy lately, so you’ll it probably won’t have to resort to purchasing a subscription). Beginning May 3, the Totaltech program will also be the only way for shoppers to access features like an extended 60-day return window, as it eliminates the Elite and Elite Plus tiers of its My Best Buy Rewards program, which are similar had advantages.
The pickup service builds on Best Buy’s existing recycling program, which allows you to drop off old equipment for free (or for a $29.99 fee if you recycle TVs or monitors) at Best Buy stores. However, there are some exceptions to this program, as stores in Pennsylvania and Connecticut do not accept televisions or monitors for return. And if you live in California, there are no filing fees at all.
In addition, Best Buy already offers to take a piece of old technology with you when you order a replacement. If you buy a large piece of tech through Best Buy and have it shipped, you can have your old product picked up for an additional $29.99 for TVs and larger gadgets or $49.99 for fitness equipment.
Personally, I can’t imagine using Best Buy’s self-service pickup service unless I’m scrapping a large appliance or an absurd number of smaller items (not that I know anyone who has dozens of laptops, MP3 players, or old cell phones lies about). It’s not because I don’t want to recycle, it’s because I don’t think you have to pay close to $200 to have someone recycle it for you. You can also drop off smaller items at Goodwill or another consignment shop. Larger items like TVs can be sold locally or even left on your curb for someone to pick up for free.