If you have an old laptop sitting in a drawer, a smartphone you no longer use, or a desktop computer collecting dust, you may be wondering where to donate electronics instead of throwing them away.
Electronic devices contain valuable materials and can often be refurbished, reused, or recycled. Donating electronics not only helps reduce electronic waste but can also provide technology access to students, veterans, low-income families, nonprofits, and community organizations.
Millions of devices are discarded every year in the United States, even though many remain functional or repairable. By donating electronics, you can help bridge the digital divide while supporting charitable organizations and sustainability efforts.
Before exploring electronics donation options, it’s helpful to understand how charitable organizations operate. Our guide on what a 501(c)(3) organization is explains how qualified nonprofits accept donations and maintain tax-exempt status
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover the best places to donate electronics, what devices are accepted, how to prepare your equipment, and how to maximize the impact of your donation.
Why Donate Electronics Instead of Throwing Them Away?
Electronic waste (e-waste) is one of the fastest-growing waste streams in the world.
Many discarded devices still have:
- Functional hardware
- Reusable components
- Educational value
- Refurbishment potential
Donating electronics helps:
- Reduce landfill waste
- Support underserved communities
- Extend device lifespan
- Promote environmental sustainability
- Improve technology access
Many organizations can refurbish devices and place them with individuals who otherwise could not afford technology.
What Electronics Can Be Donated?
Most donation programs accept a wide variety of devices.
Commonly Accepted Electronics
- Laptops
- Desktop computers
- Tablets
- Smartphones
- Monitors
- Printers
- Computer accessories
- Gaming consoles
- Keyboards and mice
- Networking equipment
Electronics Often Accepted Conditionally
Some organizations may accept:
- Broken devices
- Older computers
- CRT monitors
- Servers
- Hard drives
Acceptance policies vary, so always check with the receiving organization before donating.
Best Places to Donate Electronics in the USA
Several reputable organizations accept electronics donations nationwide.
1. Goodwill Industries
Goodwill is one of the most accessible options for electronics donations.
Accepted items often include:
- Computers
- Laptops
- Tablets
- Phones
- Computer accessories
Many Goodwill locations partner with certified electronics recyclers to process donated devices responsibly.
Benefits
- Thousands of donation locations
- Supports workforce development programs
- Accepts a wide variety of electronics
2. Salvation Army
The Salvation Army accepts many electronics depending on local branch policies.
Common donations include:
- Computers
- Audio equipment
- TVs
- Mobile devices
Donated items may be sold through thrift stores to support charitable programs.
3. Computers With Causes
Computers With Causes distributes donated technology to individuals and organizations in need.
Recipients may include:
- Veterans
- Students
- Teachers
- Nonprofits
- Families facing financial hardship
Ideal Donations
- Functional laptops
- Desktop computers
- Tablets
- Accessories
4. National Cristina Foundation
The National Cristina Foundation helps connect donated technology with nonprofits and educational institutions.
Focus Areas
- Education
- Disability services
- Workforce training
- Community development
Many donated devices are reused rather than recycled.
5. Dell Reconnect Program
Dell partners with Goodwill to offer a nationwide electronics recycling and donation program.
Accepted items often include:
- Computers
- Monitors
- Printers
- Keyboards
- Hard drives
Even some non-working equipment may be accepted.
6. Local Schools and Educational Programs
Many schools welcome technology donations.
Examples include:
- Laptops
- Tablets
- Chromebooks
- Classroom accessories
Schools may use devices directly or provide them to students lacking technology access.
7. Community Centers and Libraries
Local organizations often need technology for:
- Public computer labs
- Educational programs
- Job-search assistance
- Digital literacy training
Contact local centers to learn about their current needs.
8. Electronics Recycling Programs
If a device no longer works, recycling may be the best option.
Many retailers offer recycling services for:
- Computers
- Phones
- Printers
- Batteries
- Cables
Responsible recycling prevents hazardous materials from entering landfills.
Who Benefits from Electronics Donations?
Technology donations can make a significant difference.
Students
Many students lack reliable access to computers needed for:
- Homework
- Online learning
- College applications
- Research
Veterans
Veteran support organizations often provide donated devices to help with:
- Job searches
- Education
- Telehealth services
Nonprofit Organizations
Smaller nonprofits often operate with limited budgets and benefit greatly from donated technology.
Low-Income Families
Refurbished devices can help families access:
- Employment opportunities
- Educational resources
- Government services
- Healthcare information
How to Prepare Electronics Before Donating
Protecting your personal information is critical.
Step 1: Back Up Important Files
Save:
- Photos
- Documents
- Videos
- Contacts
- Financial records
Transfer important data to:
- External drives
- Cloud storage
- New devices
Step 2: Sign Out of Accounts
Remove access to:
- Email accounts
- Cloud services
- Banking apps
- Social media platforms
Step 3: Perform a Factory Reset
Most devices include built-in reset options.
Factory resets help remove:
- Personal information
- Saved passwords
- Installed applications
Step 4: Securely Erase Data
For computers, consider secure wiping software to prevent data recovery.
Step 5: Remove Accessories You Want to Keep
Examples include:
- Memory cards
- SIM cards
- External storage devices
Can You Get a Tax Deduction for Donating Electronics?
In many cases, yes.
Donations to qualified nonprofits may qualify as charitable contributions.
Requirements
Generally, you should:
- Donate to a qualified nonprofit
- Obtain a receipt
- Keep records of donated items
- Document estimated value
The IRS may require additional documentation for larger donations.
Understanding broader charitable giving rules can help maximize your donation benefits. Learn more in our charitable donation guide
Electronics Donation vs Electronics Recycling
Many people confuse donation and recycling.
Comparison Table
| Feature | Donation | Recycling |
| Device Reused | Yes | Usually No |
| Helps Recipients | Yes | Indirectly |
| Extends Device Life | Yes | No |
| Reduces Waste | Yes | Yes |
| Potential Tax Deduction | Often Yes | Sometimes |
When Donation Is Better
Choose donation if the device:
- Functions properly
- Can be repaired easily
- Still meets modern needs
When Recycling Is Better
Choose recycling if the device:
- Is severely damaged
- Cannot be repaired economically
- Contains obsolete technology
Common Electronics That Should Never Be Thrown Away
Certain devices contain hazardous materials.
Examples include:
- Batteries
- Smartphones
- Laptops
- Printers
- Monitors
- Televisions
Proper donation or recycling prevents environmental contamination.
Other Ways to Make a Difference Through Donations
Many people who donate electronics also participate in other forms of giving.
Blood Donation
Blood donations save lives every day.
Learn how often you can donate blood
Plasma Donation
Plasma is used to create life-saving therapies.
Read our guide explaining how long plasma donation takes
You can also explore paid plasma donation opportunities
Organ Donation
Organ donors help save and improve lives across the country.
Learn more about the organ donation process in the United States
Hair Donation
Hair donations help create wigs for people experiencing medical hair loss.
Learn how to donate hair in the USA
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I donate old laptops?
Goodwill, Computers With Causes, schools, libraries, and local nonprofits often accept laptop donations.
Can I donate a computer that doesn’t work?
Some organizations accept non-working devices for refurbishment or recycling.
Is it safe to donate electronics?
Yes, provided you properly erase personal data and perform a factory reset before donating.
Do charities accept old smartphones?
Many organizations accept smartphones, even older models, if they remain functional.
Can I donate broken electronics?
Some donation programs accept broken devices, while others only accept working equipment.
Will I receive a tax receipt?
Most qualified nonprofits provide donation receipts that may be used for tax purposes.
Should I remove the hard drive before donating?
Some donors choose to remove storage devices, but secure data wiping is often sufficient.
What is the best charity for donating electronics?
The best option depends on your goals. Goodwill, Computers With Causes, educational programs, and community nonprofits are among the most popular choices.
Conclusion
If you’ve been wondering where to donate electronics, there are numerous trusted organizations throughout the United States ready to put your unused technology to good use. Whether you donate a laptop to a student, provide a smartphone to a veteran, or recycle an outdated computer responsibly, your contribution can make a meaningful difference.
Before donating, always erase personal data, verify the organization’s requirements, and obtain a donation receipt if applicable. By choosing donation over disposal, you’ll help reduce electronic waste, support communities in need, and extend the useful life of valuable technology.
The next time you upgrade your devices, consider donating your old electronics and turning unused technology into an opportunity for someone else.