Old keyboards pile up fast — shoved in drawers, stacked in office closets, or worse, tossed in the trash. Whether it’s a sticky membrane keyboard from a decade ago or a high-end mechanical model with custom switches, figuring out how to recycle keyboards isn’t always straightforward.
Keyboard recycling often gets overlooked, yet these devices contain plastic, metal, and electronic components that make them a small but significant part of our growing e-waste problem. And while many people assume they can just throw old computer accessories in the bin, that choice has consequences — both environmental and legal.
The good news? You can recycle keyboards — and in more ways than one. This guide will walk you through how to recycle keyboards responsibly, covering different types of keyboards, disposal methods, and options to give your old tech a second life.
Let’s break it all down.
Key Takeaway: How to Recycle Keyboards Responsibly
To recycle a computer keyboard, use a certified e-waste recycler, local municipal program, retailer like Best Buy, or manufacturer take-back service. If the keyboard still works, donating or selling it can extend its life. Prepare it by removing batteries (if wireless), cleaning it, and packaging it securely for disposal.
Can You Recycle Keyboards?
Yes, you can recycle keyboards — including both mechanical and membrane types — through certified e-waste programs, local recycling centers, or manufacturer take-back schemes.
Keyboards contain recyclable components like plastic casings, metal parts, rubber membranes, and electronic circuit boards.
When disposed of properly, these parts can be recovered, reused, or safely dismantled to reduce landfill waste. But not all curbside programs accept keyboards, so it’s important to find a certified electronics recycler or drop-off location that handles computer accessories.
Whether you’re decluttering your home office or upgrading your entire workstation, keyboard recycling is a smart, environmentally responsible move.
How to Prepare Keyboards for Recycling (And Why It Matters)
To prepare your keyboard for recycling, disconnect it from your computer, remove any batteries (for the wireless ones), clean off debris, and detach any removable parts. Place the keyboard in a sturdy box, and label it as electronic waste if required.
Proper preparation helps ensure safe handling and increases the chance of successful recycling.
Step-by-Step: How to Prepare a Keyboard for Recycling
- Unplug the keyboard or remove batteries if it’s a wireless model.
- Clean the surface to remove crumbs, dust, or sticky residue.
- Detach any removable components, such as USB dongles, keycaps (for mechanical keyboards), or wrist rests.
- Separate the cable if it’s detachable, and wrap it neatly.
- Bag small parts separately to avoid loss during transport.
- Label as “electronics” or “e-waste” if your recycling provider requires it.
- Place the keyboard in a secure box or container to prevent damage in transit.
Bonus tip: If your keyboard is still functional, consider donating it instead of recycling — extending its life reduces waste even further.
Why Should You Prepare Keyboards Before Recycling?
Properly preparing your keyboard for recycling ensures safe handling, protects sensitive data, and improves material recovery. While tossing an old keyboard into a bin might seem harmless, skipping basic prep can create unnecessary risks and inefficiencies in the recycling process.
Many modern keyboards — especially wireless or gaming models — include internal memory chips, batteries, or detachable parts.
These components must be handled separately to avoid contamination or safety hazards. Dust, sticky residue, and broken keys can also interfere with sorting and disassembly at recycling facilities.
In some cases, improperly packed electronics may be rejected by e-waste programs altogether. That’s why preparing your keyboard is not only a smart step — it’s often a necessary one for keyboard recycling compliance and efficient material recovery.
How to Recycle Keyboards (4 Best Options for Responsible Disposal)
To recycle a keyboard, you can drop it off at a certified e-waste recycling center, use a municipal electronics recycling program, return it through a retail store like Best Buy or Staples, or send it back to the manufacturer if they offer a take-back program.
Each option ensures your keyboard is properly handled, reducing electronic waste and recovering valuable materials like plastic and metal.
1. Municipal Waste Management Programs
Some cities and counties offer free electronics recycling services through local waste management or public works departments. These programs may include curbside collection events, e-waste drop-off locations, or hazardous waste disposal centers that accept keyboards.
To find out what’s accepted in your area, visit your municipal website or contact your waste management agency directly. Be sure to ask if they accept computer accessories like keyboards, and whether any special preparation is required.
🔎 Tip: Search your city name + “keyboard recycling” to locate official e-waste events near you.
2. Certified E-Waste Recycling Centers
E-waste recycling centers are the most reliable way to recycle keyboards safely and responsibly. These facilities are equipped to handle electronics that contain mixed materials like plastic, metal, rubber, and circuit boards — all common in modern keyboards.
Look for centers certified under programs like R2 (Responsible Recycling) or e-Stewards, which follow strict environmental and ethical standards.
These recyclers ensure that hazardous components are processed properly and that materials are reused whenever possible.
♻️ Tip: Use the Green Directory to find certified e-waste recycling centers near you.
3. Retail Store Recycling Programs
Big-box retailers like Best Buy and Staples often offer electronics recycling programs that accept old keyboards. You can usually drop off items at customer service counters or dedicated recycling bins near store entrances.
These programs are convenient if you don’t have access to a municipal option — and they’re often free for small electronics like keyboards. However, it’s best to check each retailer’s website to confirm what items they currently accept.
🔎 Tip: Best Buy accepts a wide range of electronics per household per day, but limits may apply. Staples also accepts keyboards under their tech recycling program.
4. Manufacturer Take-Back Programs
Some keyboard and computer manufacturers offer mail-in or drop-off take-back programs for their products. These programs ensure your old electronics are recycled through certified facilities.
Here are a few examples:
- Logitech – Offers mail-in recycling in several countries
- Dell – Free recycling for any Dell-branded device, including peripherals like keyboards
- HP – Trade-in and recycling program accepts HP accessories
- Apple – While not specific to keyboards, Apple’s program accepts eligible accessories for recycling
You’ll usually need to fill out a form or request a prepaid shipping label online.
📦 Tip: If your keyboard is from a major brand, check their website for a “recycle” or “sustainability” page — it’s often listed in the footer.
Should You Sell or Donate Your Old Keyboard?
If your keyboard still works, selling or donating it is often a better choice than recycling. It keeps electronics in use longer, helps others in need, and reduces demand for new products — which means less e-waste in the long run.
When to Donate or Sell a Keyboard
You should consider donating or selling your keyboard if it’s in working condition, has no major damage, and all the keys are functional. If nothing essential is missing and the keyboard is a popular brand or a mechanical model with decent resale value, it likely has a second life ahead. Even if you’ve simply upgraded to a newer setup, your old keyboard might still be useful to someone else.
Donation is the better option for standard wired or wireless keyboards, especially those used in office or school settings. If it’s clean and operational — even if it’s older — many organizations will gladly accept it.
Selling makes more sense for mechanical keyboards or gaming models with unique features, such as backlighting or programmable keys. High-end brands like Logitech, Corsair, Razer, and Apple often retain value on the secondhand market. Bundled sets that include matching mice or accessories are also more attractive to buyers.
♻️ Tip: Always clean your keyboard and check for stuck keys before donating or listing it for sale.
Where to Sell or Donate Keyboards
Where to Donate keyboards
- Goodwill, Salvation Army, or local thrift stores
- Nonprofits, community centers, or public schools
- Electronics donation drives in your area
- Local repair shops that refurbish electronics
Where to Sell Keyboards
- eBay – Great for specialty or gaming keyboards
- Facebook Marketplace – Ideal for quick local sales
- Craigslist – Works well for bundles or older models
- OfferUp or Mercari – Apps for easy mobile listings
- Reddit hardware subreddits – Good for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts
💡 Tip: Take clear photos and include the brand, model, and condition in your listing for faster sales.
Keyboard Recycling Process: What Happens to a Keyboard at a Recycling Center?
At an e-waste recycling center, keyboards are carefully dismantled, sorted by material type, and processed to recover valuable components like plastic, metal, and circuit boards.
Hazardous substances are removed and disposed of safely to minimize environmental harm.
1. Material Separation
The recycling process starts by manually or mechanically disassembling the keyboard. Plastic housings, rubber membranes, aluminum parts, and printed circuit boards (PCBs) are separated into different material streams. Each material requires a unique processing path to ensure proper recycling or disposal.
2. Component Recycling
Plastic parts are shredded and melted down into pellets that can be used to manufacture new products. Metal components, such as steel springs or aluminum frames, are smelted and reused in industrial applications. Circuit boards are sent to specialized facilities where valuable metals like gold, copper, and palladium are extracted through high-efficiency processes.
3. Hazardous Material Handling
Keyboards may contain toxic substances, especially in solder or electronic components — including lead, cadmium, mercury, and nickel. Certified e-waste recyclers are trained and equipped to safely manage these materials.
This ensures that harmful elements don’t contaminate soil, air, or water during disposal.
Understanding what happens during the keyboard recycling process helps reinforce the importance of choosing certified electronics recyclers that follow strict environmental standards.
Keyboard Recycling Made Easy with GreenCitizen (SF Bay Area and Nationwide)
If you’re looking for a certified and responsible way to recycle keyboards, GreenCitizen offers four convenient options — whether you’re in the Bay Area or anywhere in the U.S.
We accept keyboards for just $1 per pound and ensure every item is handled with care and transparency.
Since 2005, GreenCitizen has partnered with over 70,000 Bay Area businesses and 400,000 residents, responsibly recycling over 32 million pounds of electronics.
Every keyboard we process is tracked through our proprietary GreenCitizen Total Accountability Management System (GTAMS) — so you know exactly where your device goes. We only work with R2 and e-Stewards certified recyclers, guaranteeing that all items are recycled within the United States, never shipped overseas.
Here’s how you can recycle your keyboard with us:
Local Drop-Off (Bay Area Residents)
Visit our Burlingame Eco Center and drop off your old keyboard during business hours. It’s quick, secure, and eco-friendly — and our staff will make sure your device is properly sorted for recycling.
Business Pickup (Bay Area Businesses)
Need to recycle multiple keyboards or clear out office tech? We offer recycling pickups for businesses throughout the Bay Area — ideal for IT asset disposal and office cleanouts.
Mail-In Recycling (Nationwide)
Not in the Bay Area? No problem. Use our nationwide mail-in service to send us your keyboards and other electronics from anywhere in the U.S. It’s perfect for remote workers and individuals who want peace of mind in how their e-waste is handled.
Use the Green Directory
Want to find another certified e-waste recycler near you? Our Green Directory connects you with verified drop-off locations across the country, so you can recycle your keyboard locally and responsibly.
Whether you’re dropping off a single keyboard or managing bulk IT recycling, GreenCitizen makes the process transparent, affordable, and sustainable — the way electronics recycling should be.
What to Do with Old Keyboards
Keyboards may seem small, but when millions pile up in landfills, they become a serious environmental issue. The good news? Recycling your keyboard is easier than ever, and there are more responsible options than simply tossing it out.
Whether you choose to drop it off, mail it in, donate, or sell it, every action you take helps reduce e-waste and recover valuable materials. With the right preparation, even old keyboards can find new life — or be safely and ethically dismantled.
GreenCitizen is here to make that process simple, transparent, and trusted — backed by certifications and a track record of keeping millions of pounds of e-waste out of landfills.
Ready to take action?
Use our Green Directory to find the best recycling option near you — and give your keyboard the ending it deserves.
