Got an old computer taking up space? You're not alone. Houston generates thousands of tons of e-waste annually, and improper disposal can harm the environment and put your personal data at risk. Here's everything you need to know about safely disposing of computers in the Houston area.
Why You Can't Just Throw Away Old Computers
Before we get into your options, here's why proper computer disposal matters:
- Texas Law: It's illegal to dispose of electronics in regular trash in many Texas municipalities
- Data Security: Your hard drive contains passwords, financial info, and personal documents
- Environmental Impact: Computers contain lead, mercury, and other hazardous materials
- Recoverable Value: Working components can be refurbished or recycled into raw materials
Your Computer Disposal Options in Houston
1. Free Drop-Off at a Local Recycler (Best Option)
EverTrade Electronics in Sugar Land accepts computers, laptops, and monitors for free from Houston area residents. We're located at 10100 Belknap Rd, Suite B5 — just minutes from Missouri City, Stafford, and Southwest Houston. We serve all major Houston areas including the Energy Corridor, Galleria/Uptown, Downtown, and the Texas Medical Center.
- ✅ Free for residential drop-offs
- ✅ Data destruction included
- ✅ Open Monday-Friday 8AM-4PM, Saturday 9AM-2PM
- ✅ No appointment needed
2. Schedule a Pickup (For Multiple Devices)
Have 10+ devices or a whole office to clear out? We offer free pickup services for businesses and residents with larger quantities throughout the Greater Houston area.
3. City of Houston E-Waste Events
The City of Houston hosts periodic electronics recycling events. Check the City of Houston Solid Waste page for upcoming dates. Note: These events can have long wait times.
4. Retail Drop-Off (Best Buy, Staples)
Big box retailers accept some electronics, but often with limitations:
- Best Buy: Accepts most computers, may charge for monitors/TVs
- Staples: Limited to smaller electronics
- ⚠️ These stores do NOT provide data destruction certificates
What About My Data?
This is the most important consideration. Simply deleting files or doing a factory reset does NOT actually remove your data — it can still be recovered.
For Personal Computers:
- Back up anything you want to keep
- Use disk wiping software (DBAN is free)
- Or remove the hard drive before recycling
For Business Computers:
Businesses should use a professional data destruction service that provides a Certificate of Destruction for compliance records. This is especially important for industries with data regulations (healthcare, finance, legal).
What Happens to Recycled Computers?
At EverTrade, we follow a responsible recycling process:
- Testing: Working equipment is tested for refurbishment potential
- Data Destruction: All storage devices are wiped or physically destroyed
- Component Recovery: Valuable parts (RAM, CPUs, power supplies) are recovered
- Material Recycling: Metals, plastics, and circuit boards go to certified downstream recyclers
- Zero Landfill: Nothing goes to the dump
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I dispose of old computers for free in Houston?
EverTrade Electronics in Sugar Land offers free computer drop-off for Houston area residents. The City of Houston also has periodic e-waste collection events. Best Buy stores accept computers for recycling but may charge fees for monitors.
Is it safe to throw away an old computer?
No. Old computers contain personal data and hazardous materials. Texas law prohibits disposing of electronics in regular trash. Always use a certified electronics recycler that provides data destruction.
How do I delete data before recycling my computer?
For personal computers, use a factory reset plus disk wiping software. For complete security, use a professional data destruction service that follows NIST 800-88 guidelines or physically destroys the hard drive.
Ready to Recycle Your Old Computer?
Don't let that old computer collect dust (or end up in a landfill). Bring it to EverTrade for free, responsible recycling with data destruction included.
Free Computer Drop-Off in Sugar Land
Open Monday-Friday 8AM-4PM, Saturday 9AM-2PM. No appointment needed.