How to Recycle Old Computer Hardware

Computers are used an average of only three years before being discarded. Unfortunately, few of those computers are recycled; most are thrown away. Recycling computer hardware not only preserves landfill space, it ensures that the hazardous materials inside the computer are properly disposed. A number of recycling organizations either dismantle computers and recycle the materials or refurbish computer hardware and place it back in service.

Instructions

• 1

  Visit the TIA E-cycling Central website to find e-cycling events and recyclers in your area (see Resources). Click on your state to find a recycler close to home.

• 2

  Donate quantities of 50 or more working computers that are no more than five years old to Tech Soup Refurbished Computer Initiative program. Donate one to 49 working computers that are no more than five years old to a local refurbisher. Microsoft provides a list of registered refurbishers that accept small quantities of working computers (see Resources).

• 3

  Find local recyclers for broken or nonworking computer hardware at the Earth911 website. Enter what type of materials need to be recycled, a city name or zip code and click "Search" for a list of recycling organizations.

• 4

  Send old computers, laptops, monitors, mice, scanners and other hardware packed in appropriately sized, sealed containers to recycling centers like Recycle a PC via a ground carrier like UPS. Check with the organization before shipping any hardware to confirm that it will accept your equipment for recycling.

• 5

  Donate computers and hardware to a government-supported donation and recycling center. Contact your local or state government to find an electronics recycling center close to home.

• 6

  Recycle your old computer through Reconnect, a partnership between Dell and Goodwill. Drop off any brand of computer equipment, in any condition, at a participating Goodwill donation center. Check the Reconnect website for a full list of items accepted. Get a receipt for tax purposes.

• 7

  Remove all data from the hard drive before shipping or taking the computer to a recycling center. Most recyclers will wipe the hard drive clean when they receive it, but there is no guarantee your data will not be compromised when the computer is in transit.