Even the best computer mouse will eventually meet its end. Eventually, you’ll need to get rid of your device due to wear and tear or an accident. When this happens, you’ll need to learn how to dispose of old computer mice. There are a few different ways you can go about this, which we’ll go over below.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- The first thing you can do is the most common choice for most people. You can find an electronic waste program near you, generally at your dump or local town hall.
- Next, you can always contact the original manufacturer of your mouse. Many of these companies have manufacturer takeback programs and will accept your mouse free of charge.
- Finally, you can always try to sell your mouse or give it away. Many people out there can use the parts from it for projects or might want to try fixing it.
Getting Rid of Your Wireless or Wired Mouse
Getting rid of an old mouse is more complicated than it may seem. You should never throw them away in the garbage. Mice are made of hazardous materials that cannot be processed like regular trash. This means you must find an alternative method of disposal. Of course, the best policy is the prevention of wear and tear so your mouse lives as long as possible. Learning how to clean a mouse pad and how to clean a gaming mouse will help you do that. Otherwise, read about your disposal options below.
Insider Tip
Contact your local recycling facility or your mouse manufacturer to see where you can turn in old mice and electronics.
Find Your Nearest Recycling Program
The first step is always to look into how to dispose of hazardous waste in your area. You usually shouldn’t throw mice out in the regular recycling. Instead, a separate recycling process involves taking it to your local dump or similar place. They’re always willing to take unwanted electronics to keep them out of landfills, like MP3 players or even video game consoles. And, of course, mice.
Contact the Electronics Manufacturers
Some manufacturers have their own guidelines for disposal. In fact, some of them will allow you to send back old, broken mice. Always check their website to see what their policies are. Beyond that, they might be able to fix your issue. For example, if you know when to replace mouse feet, you might be able to purchase new ones from them. This helps you avoid throwing away the mouse altogether.
Warning
You must dispose of your old mice and other electronics at a proper recycling facility.
Try to Sell Your Broken-Down Old Mice
Another idea is to sell your mouse. Plenty of people could use the metal components for other projects or might want to fix it as a fun activity. You can always give it away for free if you can’t sell it. You might be surprised how many people would be interested in taking your old mouse off your hands. For more mouse-related research, look into our tips for switching to a keyboard and mouse.
STAT: In 2022, the computer peripherals producer Logitech reported sales revenues of 5.48 billion U.S. dollars, up from the 5.25 billion recorded in 2021. (source)
