Recycling old computers?

[eeyorefan74]

I know in the past I've heard about organizations that refurbish/fix old computers and give them to nonprofits or people that need them. I can't seem to find any info on them now. We have several old computers and various parts (DH is a computer nut) and I hate to just throw them in the trash. We called our city public works dept. and they said they don't recycle them. If they can't be used, I'd at least like to recycle the parts. Does anyone know how to go about this?

 

[lisajl]

Have you thought about calling a womans shelter?
That is where my old cell phones go...I don't know if they could use the computers for training or not. Would not hurt to try. We have quite a few in our garage, but our city does recycle them but only certain months.

Lisa

 

[AuroraBeauty]

Please DO NOT put old computers in the trash.

For one, they do potentially contain toxic chemicals that can leach. Second, how do you know your personal and private info is secure?

Into the search engine of your choice type in 'How to Recycle computer' and see what is available. You can also get more specific and put in 'How to recycle computer [your town]' and see if there is a local program.

If they are name brand computers check with the manufacturer's website and/or call their 800#. I know Sony has a program for their old computers but they won't take other brands.

Again, don't just throw them away. Your local trash company may have 'bulk trash' or a Hazardous Waste program that takes them. If you put it in the trash and it is found and can be traced back to you, some municipalities do fine people. Don't risk it -- for you, your kids, our world!

 

[aka-mad4themouse]

I've found that most places weren't interested in accepting my previous headache. They wanted newer machinery in peak working order, which mine were (that's why I replaced them!)

I ended up donating my old towers to our local elementary school. They allow the students in the computer club to tear them apart to discover what the insides are like. Then the school takes care of disposing of the carcass.

 

[SuzanneSLO]

Dell has a recycling program for its old computers. They found a nonprofit who could use our old 486 laptop. Best of luck -- Suzanne

 

[roadtripper]

I am thinking of trying www.recycleapc.org. It costs 30 dollars, I think, but they dispose of everything and wipe your hard drive. If I do it, I'll post!

 

[hubermom3]

a company called peoplepc used to recycle old computers also.

 

[girli565]

My boyfriend is the inventory specialist for Staples and he tells me they have a program to accept computers and recycle them. They send them to a recycling place they have a contract with, the place wipes the hard drive, and disposes of it properly. I think they do it for a small fee, something like $10.

Here's a USA Today article about it... http://www.usatoday.com/tech/products/environment/2007-05-21-staples-computer-recycling_N.htm

 

[bnorm27]

If your town has a recylcing center, then they probably have an area to take old computers and other electronics. As far as the information goes, I would remove the hard drive (or at least open the case of the PC), and use a drill to drill a few holes in the hard drive. Nothing works better!

 

[tegansmom]

Try http://www.myboneyard.com/

from what I understand they pay you to recycle, and no shipping.... but haven't looked too much at the website or used it myself.

 

[Mamatoaprincess]

I just donated a monitor to my dds elementary school. They will give me a tax donation slip for it and it is out of my hair!

 

[solfan68]

My boyfriend is the inventory specialist for Staples and he tells me they have a program to accept computers and recycle them. They send them to a recycling place they have a contract with, the place wipes the hard drive, and disposes of it properly. I think they do it for a small fee, something like $10.

Thanks for the info. My church has two P2's to get rid of, and I will gladly pony up the cash to have them processed responsibly.

 

[girli565]

You're welcome!!

 

[jrogalny]

I know that TigerDirect takes old computer equipment. I donated a monitor last year.

 

[calypso*a*go-go]

If you are a Costco member they now have a recycling program that includes computers as well as other electronic equipment (cell phones, video game systems, etc). You enter the information online and then receive a prepaid UPS label (so shipping is free) and in some cases a value is attached to the equipment and you will receive a Costco Giftcard for whatever the total amount is.
Here's a link:
http://www.costco.com/Browse/Productgroup.aspx?Prodid=11230482&whse=BC&Ne=4000000&eCat=BC|79|74674&N=4018669&Mo=0&No=0&Nr=P_CatalogName:BC&cat=74674&Ns=P_Price|1||P_SignDesc1&lang=en-US&Sp=C&topnav=

 

[JuneChickie]

We just gathered all our old computers , monitors , etc etc , took a picture
and put it on craigslist for free.

It went within 2 hours.

 

[hrh_disney_queen]

I just donated two complete PCs to Goodwill. I was told they have a bonded employee who wipes the computer clean and then loads the necessary software back onto it. I kept those things for so long because I was afraid of putting my info out into the world. There was no charge, and I will get a tax deduction for doing it. They said they take any computer, running or broken.

It felt so good to get rid of those albatrosses...

 

[JuneChickie]

I just donated two complete PCs to Goodwill. I was told they have a bonded employee who wipes the computer clean and then loads the necessary software back onto it. I kept those things for so long because I was afraid of putting my info out into the world. There was no charge, and I will get a tax deduction for doing it. They said they take any computer, running or broken.

It felt so good to get rid of those albatrosses...

Our Goodwill won't take anything computer or tv related.

They have big signs posted when you pull up to let you know what they will and will NOT take.

Computers and monitors are the top of the will not take list.

So , call ahead to see if they will take them at your local Goodwill.

 

[Plantlady]

freecycle.

 

[MrMarv]

Try http://www.bestbuytradein.com