Where Can I Donate a Printer?

Printers are one of the most frequently replaced devices in homes and offices. Whether you’ve upgraded to a newer model or embraced a paperless lifestyle, you’re probably wondering what to do with your old printer. Instead of letting it gather dust or end up in the trash, consider donating it. Not only does donating a printer reduce e-waste, but it also supports schools, nonprofits, and individuals most in need. In this blog, we’ll explain why donating a printer is worthwhile, where you can donate locally and nationally, and how to prepare beforehand.

Why Donate a Printer Instead of Throwing It Away?

Every year, millions of electronic products end up in landfills, polluting the environment and wasting precious resources. By donating a printer, you can prevent it from going to landfill and give it a chance to be reused by someone else.

Beyond the environmental impact, it also has significant social benefits. Many underfunded schools, community centers, libraries, and nonprofits have limited technology budgets. Your old printer could help students print homework, help job seekers revise their resumes, or help local organizations run their administrative work more efficiently.

In addition, printer donations to qualifying nonprofits are sometimes tax-deductible. If you donate to a registered 501(c)(3) organization, you may qualify for a tax deduction when tax season rolls around.

Where Can I Donate a Printer Near Me?

If you prefer to keep your donation local, consider some reliable organizations that accept used printers. These options are not only convenient but also strengthen your community.

1. Goodwill and Salvation Army

Let’s start with two of the most well-known charitable organizations: Goodwill and the Salvation Army.

Both organizations accept a variety of used electronics, including printers, depending on their condition and location. These organizations often resell donated printers at secondhand stores and use the profits to fund job training and community outreach.

Goodwill partners with programs like Dell Reconnect to responsibly recycle or refurbish donated electronics.

You can use the location finder on their official website to see if there’s a center near you that accepts printers. If you’re donating for tax purposes, don’t forget to get a receipt.

2. Local Schools, Libraries, and Community Centers

If you’re moving closer to home, consider contacting public schools, after-school programs, or community libraries. These institutions often have tight budgets and welcome donations of used equipment.

Call ahead to ask if they need a printer, if they require a specific model (e.g., laser or inkjet), or what their equipment condition requirements are.

Even if they can’t accept your donation directly, they may be able to refer you to a sister program or local charity in need.

3. Churches and Nonprofit Organizations

Churches, shelters, and other local nonprofits often welcome technology donations to help with administrative work or support educational programs. These donations often go directly to those in need, making a more personal impact.

You can find local donation opportunities through:

• Facebook groups (search for keywords like “donate printer [your city]”)
• Nextdoor
• Local drive-thrus or tech renovation projects

After exploring local donation options, you may want to consider broader platforms or national programs, especially if local donation options are limited.

National Programs and Online Platforms That Accept Printer Donations

For those who prefer a national solution or want the convenience of online arrangements, several trusted platforms can help you responsibly relocate or recycle your printer.

1. eBay for Charity and Freecycle

If your printer is still in working order, eBay for Charity allows you to sell it and donate the proceeds to a nonprofit of your choice. This is a great way to convert your donation into direct financial support.

Freecycle.org, on the other hand, is a grassroots online network where you can post items you’d like to donate. Users in your area can claim your printer, and you can then arrange for pickup or delivery.

It’s important to note that if your printer is an all-in-one, you should clear all stored data, such as performing a hard reset on your printer. See the blogs How to Reset Brother Printer, How to Reset Epson Printer, and How to Reset Canon Printer.

Also, clearly describe the printer’s condition when posting. For safety reasons, please meet in a public place.

2. Dell Reconnect (in Partnership with Goodwill)

Dell Reconnect is a nationwide recycling program that partners with Goodwill to refurbish or recycle electronics, including printers.

Visit the Dell Reconnect website to find participating drop-off locations. They accept both Dell and non-Dell branded products. Your printer will be reused or responsibly recycled.

This is an excellent option for environmentally conscious donors who want to ensure their devices stay out of landfills.

3. The National Cristina Foundation

If you’d like to make a greater impact, the National Cristina Foundation matches donated technology with nonprofits, schools, and people with disabilities in need.

To donate: Visit their website and fill out a quick form about your printer. If a match is found, the organization will connect you with the recipient. This program ensures your printer reaches someone who truly needs it and can benefit from it.

Can I Donate a Broken or Old Printer?

As you explore donations, a question might arise: Donation programs typically accept printers in good condition, but what about devices that no longer function properly?

If your printer is broken, missing parts, or very old, it may not be suitable for donation. However, that doesn’t mean all is lost. You can still dispose of it responsibly:

• Best Buy accepts printers through its electronics recycling program.
• Staples also has a free recycling drop-off for most home and office electronics.
• Local e-waste collection events often pop up seasonally—check your city’s website.

These options help ensure your old printer is properly disassembled, reusable parts are recovered, and hazardous materials are safely discarded.

Tips Before Donating Your Printer

To make your donation both practical and professional, you can prepare your printer in advance by following the steps below. This ensures the printer is safe to use and operational right out of the box.

• Wipe memory: If your printer has stored faxes, scans, or personal data, clear the memory through the settings menu.
• Remove ink or toner: These items are generally not accepted unless sealed, as they may have spilled or expired.
• Include accessories: If accessories are available, add cables, manuals, or spare ink cartridges.
• Clean the exterior: A quick wipe down helps make a good impression and demonstrates your thoughtfulness.
• Testing: Print a test page to confirm that the printer is still functioning properly. Note any problems so the recipient is aware of them.

FAQs About Printer Donations

Let’s quickly answer some of the most common questions you might have about donating your printer.

1. Can I get a tax receipt for donating a printer?

Yes, if you donated to a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and received a donation receipt. Please keep this receipt for your tax records.

2. Do all donation centers accept any printer model?

Not always. Some centers may have strict requirements regarding brand, condition, or size. Be sure to call ahead to confirm.

3. Do any organizations offer pickup services?

Some local charities or tech recycling programs offer free drop-off services, especially for larger donations. Check with your local organization.

Conclusion

Donating your old printer isn’t just about clearing out clutter; it’s a great way to support your community, reduce e-waste, and be environmentally friendly. Whether you choose to donate to a national charity, a local school, or an online donation platform, there’s always someone who can benefit from your used device. So, the next time you upgrade, don’t throw away your old printer; donate it and give it a second life.