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Faculty and Staff eCycling

Disposal procedures vary by the type of equipment you'd like to dispose of.

University-Owned Equipment

Computers, electronic equipment and appliances

Computers should be reused or recycled. Before taking advantage of these options, be sure you comply with:

Working computers

Consider listing computers that are still usable on the Surplus Property Exchange, an online bulletin board where departments and schools can post their University-owned equipment for sale or free. 

Outdated or non-functional computers and electronic equipment:

The items listed below may not be put in the garbage. This list includes items that are banned from disposal in a landfill in accordance with the Illinois Electronic Products Recycling and Reuse Act.

  • Desktop or laptop computers
  • Peripheral equipment, such as mice, keyboards and monitors
  • Scanners
  • Printers
  • Fax machines
  • Televisions
  • Microwaves
  • Speakers
  • Videocassette recorders 
  • DVD players
  • Portable digital music players
  • Video game consoles
  • Small-scale servers
  • Digital converter boxes
  • Cable and satellite receivers
  • CDs 
  • Magnetic tape

Our recycling program ensures that all hard drives are destroyed and the equipment is recycled in a way that is compliant with EPA standards. 

Northwestern will pick up University-owned computer and electronic equipment on campus. Items must be collected in a central location in your office or space. Pickups through the electronics recycling program are intended for routine, day-to-day equipment turnover, and replacements.

We are unable to accommodate the collection of large, heavy, or high-volume requests (such as clean-outs or moves), including large lab equipment. 

Beginning July 20, 2026, if your request includes any of the following, you must coordinate directly with Reebie Movers:

  • Items larger than 24 inches square
  • Any single item weighing more than 50 pounds
  • More than 20 non-peripheral items (e.g., excluding mice, keyboards, and cables)

Reebie has access to the electronics recycling collection room, and all collected items will be processed through the University’s electronics recycling program.

See below for handling of equipment used in laboratories.

There are different protocols for Feinberg School of Medicine. Please use FSM IT Service Request Form for decommissioning and recycling items.

Schedule a pickup

Laboratory equipment

Prior to disposing of university-owned laboratory equipment, visit the Research Safety website and complete the "Laboratory Equipment Disposal" form (under the Laboratory Equipment heading). 

Copiers

Most newer copiers, especially those that were set up to scan and print, have hard drives that could contain some files. See NUIT's security recommendations for networked devices for guidance. 

Working copiers

List the copier on the Surplus Property Exchange.

Outdated or non-functional copiers

If your copier is leased, contact Sheila Watkins.

Refrigerators and freezers

Freon and coolant must be removed from any item before disposal. Contact Facilities Management Customer Service to arrange for removal service. Refrigerators and freezers can then be recycled as scrap metal.

Personal Equipment

Working computers less than 5 years old

Consider donating your computer to:

  • Schools or a non-profit group.
  • Commercial businesses or groups.

Visit the EPA's eCycling website for donation tips and information.

Broken, old or outdated computers

Many computer manufacturers recycle their products, and some give discounts on purchasing your next computer:

Local groups that recycle computer equipment:

Dell Reconnect program is a residential computer recycling program that allows you to drop off any brand of used equipment at participating Goodwill donation centers in your area. For more information, visit the Dell Reconnect website.

Cell phones

Consider donating your cell phone:

Most cellular carriers recycle or reuse donated phones. See your carrier's website for more information: