Best Buy, based in Richfield, said today it will expand its electronics recycling program to all of its 1,006 stores nationwide, starting next month.

A new facet: a $10 recycling fee per unit will be charged for items with screens, such as televisions, laptop computers, and monitors. In exchange for the fee, the consumer immediately will receive a $10 Best Buy gift card. (This fee does not apply for units recycled in California stores or for any of its Exclusive-Branded products, such as Insignia, Dynex, and VPR Matrix.)

During a trial run at many Minnesota stores, there had been no fee for screened items.

Starting Feb. 15, consumers can bring up to two units per day per household for recycling. Best Buy will accept most consumer electronics, including televisions and monitors up to 32 inches, computer CPUs and notebooks, small electronics, VCR and DVD players, and phones, as well as accessories such as keyboards, mice, and remotes.

The following items cannot be accepted through this program:

    • Televisions or monitor screens greater than 32 inches.
    • Console televisions.
    • Items containing Freon, including air conditioners, dehumidifiers, and mini-refrigerators (consumers are encouraged to contact their state/county solid waste department for recycling options).
    • Microwaves.
    • Appliances (customers are invited instead to use Best Buy’s appliance haul-away and pick-up programs).

The program is the latest addition to its electronics and appliance recycling options:

    • Recycling kiosks: At the front of every store, ink cartridges, rechargeable batteries, cell phones, CDs, DVDs, and PD• Appliance and television haul-away: Best Buy will remove an old or obsolete appliance or television free of charge from a consumer's home when a new product is purchased and delivered by Best Buy Home Delivery or Geek Squad Home Theater Installation Service.
   • Appliance and television pick-up: For $100, Best Buy will remove up to two appliance units and/or televisions for recycling, with $20 for each additional unit.
    • Tech Trade-In: Gently used electronics can be traded in for a Best Buy gift card by going here.