FFCheckBulk Waste Guide
NLEN
Electronics · free drop-off

💻 How to dispose of a laptop in Amsterdam

Quick answer

Drop your laptop off free at a Wecycle point (many Mediamarkt, Coolblue, BCC), at new purchase (mandatory 1-for-1 take-back), or at a Recycling Point. Important: FIRST wipe your data with a full-disk wipe — a factory reset is not enough.

Cost
Free
Method
Wecycle / retailer / Recycling Point
When
Plan 1–3 days ahead
Book a pickup on Amsterdam.nl →

Here is how

  1. 1
    WIPE your data FIRST
    Sign out of iCloud/Microsoft account → BIOS/firmware reset or full-disk wipe with DBAN / built-in tool. Factory reset alone is not enough for SSDs — use manufacturer wipe tool or physically remove the SSD.
  2. 2
    Find a drop-off point
    wecycle.nl/inleverpunten shows the nearest point. Many Albert Heijn XL, Mediamarkt, Coolblue, and all Wecycle DIY-store locations.
  3. 3
    Or: resell
    Working laptop < 6 years old has significant value. Marktplaats, Vinted, or Refurbed/Backmarket take at fixed price.

Do / Do not

Do
  • Back up photos and docs before wiping
  • Remove the SSD/HDD if you really want certainty — hand to Wecycle in a separate bag
  • Still works? Thrift shop, Tomato Computers (Amsterdam refurbisher), or resell
Do not
  • Not in bulk waste — contains lithium battery, flammable
  • Do not rely on "password protected" — data is readable via USB boot
  • No loose lithium battery in regular waste — ask Wecycle where exactly

Or do something better

Most bulk waste still has life. Give or sell before throwing.

Backmarket / Refurbed
Online refurbishers pay fixed price for working laptops. Working MacBook 2018: €200-400, Windows laptop €50-150.
Tomato Computers
Amsterdam refurbisher buying working AND non-working laptops. Fair price.
Marktplaats / Vinted
Highest price but most work: take photos, describe, ship.

Recycling points in Amsterdam

Free for residents with ID + proof of address. All 6 locations accept bulk waste and small chemical waste.

Henk Sneevlietweg 22
Zuid
Open in Maps →
Faradayweg 1
Nieuw-West
Open in Maps →
Rozenburglaan 1
Noord
Open in Maps →
Struisgrasstraat 35
Noord
Open in Maps →
Meerkerkdreef 31
Zuidoost
Open in Maps →
Cruquiusweg 96
Oost
Open in Maps →

Frequently asked questions

How do I wipe my laptop completely securely?

Mac: System Settings → Erase All Content + Settings (on M-chips). Windows: Settings → Recovery → Reset → Remove everything → Clean drive. For 100% certainty: DBAN (free tool) or physically remove the SSD.

Can my laptop go in the regular electronics bin?

Yes, all Wecycle points accept laptops. Tip: put the battery separately in a sealed bag — Wecycle sorts them.

Will I get money for my old laptop?

Possibly: Backmarket/Refurbed gives an instant price. Marktplaats usually higher, but you do the work. Mediamarkt trade-in at new purchase: usually lower than private sale.

What about an old Windows laptop with scratches?

Still has value for refurbishers — Tomato in Amsterdam often takes it for €30-100 even with cosmetic damage.

See also

📺Television→📡Microwave→🧊Refrigerator→