Most people don't know this, but throwing a computer in household trash is illegal in many US states. Electronics contain heavy metals — lead in solder, mercury in older backlights, cadmium in batteries — that leach into groundwater from landfills. The good news: getting rid of electronics responsibly is free or nearly free, and usually requires zero effort.
The easiest option: manufacturer take-back programs. Apple, Dell, HP, and Lenovo all have free mail-in recycling for their own products — and most will take other brands too. Apple's Trade In program gives you store credit if the device has any value; if it doesn't, they recycle it for free. Dell Reconnect works with Goodwill and accepts any brand of computer regardless of condition.
Retailer drop-off is even easier if you're already going to the store. Best Buy accepts computers, phones, tablets, batteries, cables, and most other electronics for free recycling, no purchase required. Staples has a similar program. These programs are genuinely no-questions-asked — you hand it over and you're done.
If your device has any remaining value — even a 10-year-old laptop can fetch $30–$80 — consider donating instead. World Computer Exchange, PCs for People, and local school districts accept working computers and put them in the hands of people who need them. It's a better outcome than recycling if the device functions at all.