Is the Best Buy Haul-Away Service Worth It?

These days, upgrading tech means you need to figure out a way to get rid of your old devices. This can be a challenging task to take on, whether you're looking to dispose of smartphones, laptops, or big items like TVs and major appliances. Best Buy's new haul-away service may be a solution, but it doesn't come cheap.

Find out below if this offering from the electronics retailer is worth it, and what alternatives are available.

What Is Best Buy's Haul-Away Service?

Recently, Best Buy launched a haul-away service for customers that will allow them to have old electronics like TVs, computers, and other items picked up for recycling. You can make a haul-away request online, and the service will reportedly take away everything from large appliances, to computer monitors, to certain pieces of fitness equipment.

SEE ALSO: 7 Ways to Save When Shopping Online at Best Buy

So, what's the catch? Well, the Best Buy haul-away service cost is $199.99, unless you're a member of the Best Buy Totaltech program. In the latter case, you'll pay a discounted rate of $159.99. Also, Best Buy will only take away two large products, though you should be able to include an unlimited number of eligible smaller items — think laptops, cameras, and cords — with each pickup scheduled.

Is the Best Buy Haul-Away Service Worth It?

With its almost-$200 price tag, you may be wondering if Best Buy's haul-away service is worth it. Even if you're a Totaltech member, that program costs about $200 per year, and then you have to pay nearly $160 just for the haul-away option. But being able to easily get rid of old electronics, especially ones that are large and burdensome to move, may be well worth the cost.

Let's say you live in an apartment. In that case, it may already be difficult to move heavy electronics and large appliances out, even if you have a place to take them for recycling. And many people may not know where to take electronics, as you can't recycle them in the same ways you can other materials. Paying a significant fee to have someone else worry about it may be well worth it for many folks.

Does Best Buy Offer Other Recycling Options?

Best Buy does offer electronics recycling for customers without the haul-away option. Shoppers can recycle up to three qualifying items in-store every day for free. So if you have smaller devices to get rid of, this may be the best way to go.

You can check state-specific information on Best Buy's Electronics, Appliances and Fitness Equipment Recycling page, where you'll also find any limitations on TVs, computer monitors, and laptops. According to Best Buy, they recycle all kinds of tech regardless of its age, size, or even where it was purchased.

Alternatives to Best Buy Haul Away

If you need heavy items hauled away, you may be wondering what else you can do. Here we've rounded up a few options that may be viable alternatives to Best Buy's new service.

Consider Local Services

If you think Best Buy's offering is too expensive, you may want to shop around to see if a local service will haul away your items for less. Perform a simple Google search for "haul-away services" and see what options you have nearby.

SEE ALSO: What's the Best Time to Buy a Washer and Dryer?

Be prepared to call for accurate pricing estimates, though, as the cost will likely vary based on the amount and even how far a business has to drive to pick up your stuff. However, pricing pages may have information about what it will and won't take — for instance, seven bulk items. You may also be able to find out the minimum charge, like $59 for one item. If you have any doubts, call the business and ask for more details.

Donate to a Good Cause

Are you simply upgrading appliances or electronics? Then a thrift store or consignment shop might take your old ones as a donation. Just know that if you live in an apartment — especially an upstairs one — they may not pick up these products. Or they may, but only if you meet the pickup person on a ground floor with your items. Some nonprofits aren't willing or able to risk their employees having to haul large items downstairs in order to take them away, so keep this in mind if you're looking to get rid of stuff.

Check With the Government

If you need other suggestions, you can look for both local and federal government resources online. For instance, check out the Environmental Protection Agency website for more information on electronics recycling, as well as suggestions on where to take items. Or you can visit your city's official government site for a list of places nearby that handle electronics recycling.