Patch users across the Philadelphia area have shown increasing interest in how to recycle or safely dispose of any number of household items. So we've put together a series of resources for you and your neighbors, including locations in Media Patch and nearby. If we miss any item you want to know how to properly dispose of or recycle, please let us know in the comments.

For those looking to safely get rid of an old computer or monitor in the greater Media area, there are a number of recycling options.

Bring it In

The following stores offer varying programs and offers to computer and monitor owners looking to recycle:

• Best Buy: Area Best Buys will accept two computer items per day. Check the following locations for recycling:
  
  • Plymouth Meeting Best Buy
  • King of Prussia Best Buy
  • Springfield Best Buy
• Office Depot: Office Depot accepts computers, laptops and monitors that are not cracked or covered in liquid. Customers must purchase special recycling boxes from the store (between $5 and $15, depending on size) to dispose of items.
  
  • Plymouth Meeting Office Depot
  • Springfield Office Depot
  • West Norriton Office Depot

• Staples: Staples locations will accept desktops, laptops and monitors for recycling. 
  • Narberth Staples
  • Edgmont Staples
  • Bryn Mawr Staples
  • Havertown Staples
  • Villanova Staples
  • Roxborough Staples
  • Chestnut Hill Staples

Check the Manufacturer

Many computer and electronic manufactures offer take-back and recycling programs to allow consumers to return their products safely.

HP, Compaq and Dell all offer free recycling for their computers and monitors. 

Some manufacturers, like Sony and Apple, not only take back old products but may offer a gift card in return, if the item in question has value.

Let the County Handle It

• Montgomery County operates a recycling center in Lower Merion that accepts computers and monitors. The center, which is located at the Robert J. Koegel Public Works Complex in Penn Valley, is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and on Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Contact the center by calling 610-667-1952 or emailing recycle@lowermerion.org.

• Delaware County holds several electronic recycling events that accept all battery types. Check the county's website for the dates.

• Philadelphia County holds several events throughout the year for collecting household hazardous waste, including all battery types. Check the schedule here. Residents can also drop their computers off at the Northwest Philadelphia sanitation station on Domino Lane.

Take Care of it Locally

Pick up an iPad, iPhone, or computer at the Apple Store lately that you're already eager to upgrade? Well before you recycle it, consider that it just might be worth something. Apple runs a reuse program where they'll pay customers, in the form of an Apple gift certificate, for any products the company still feels has value. Contact Apple here to find out if your equipment is eligible for the program.