How to recycle your old computer

Computers become obsolete for a variety of reasons — old age, insufficient specs, malfunctioning hardware, or users simply want an upgrade. From selling hardware to be repurposed or bringing your computer to a branded recycling program to help minimize e-waste, there are a variety of measures you can take to recycle your old computer.

Wipe your hard drive  

Before recycling any computer parts, you should wipe the hard drive clean. Hard drives hold sensitive personal information, and a savvy identity thief savaging through your personal data is a risk you don’t want to run. There are a number of measures you can take to wipe your hard drive of any personal information. For Windows PCs, Microsoft employs certified refurbishers who can professionally and securely clear your personal data. Likewise, Apple’s Mac recycling program has Apple technicians who can scrub your entire computer.  

If you’d prefer to erase stored information yourself, data-wiping software can overwrite all of your data with a random binary code. The National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual sets the recommended standards for removing data, requiring that software makes three passes through the hard drive for extra precaution. DBAN (Darik’s Boot and Nuke) is one of the best data destruction software products available for free for any OS. DBAN works outside of the operating system so all you need to do is burn it onto a CD or flash drive and boot it from the program’s user-friendly interface. WiperDrive is another low-cost consumer software option that annihilates all information on your drive into untraceable bits. The software is available for $30 and can clear up to three hard drives with the one license.  

Donate your hardware  

After wiping your hard drive, an admirable option for recycling your outdated computer would be to donate the parts to an organization. Much of the hardware that is thrown away is often still usable, and many nonprofits and education programs can repurpose and use old computers for workforce development. If you are unsure of where to donate your computer, The National Cristina Foundation is an organization that directs computer donations to various deserving nonprofits.  

Branded recycling programs  

Major computer manufacturers and retailers like Dell, Apple, and IMB offer free recycling services to promote convenient and ecologically sound ways to recover and dispose of parts.  What’s more, both Apple and Dell offer incentive programs for sending in old computers, assisting you in trading in your old computer for a new one or even providing gift cards for donations in good-enough condition to refurbish.  

Sell your old hardware  

If you don’t think you can get enough bang for your buck from branded recycling programs, online services like eBay and Craigslist offer viable platforms to connect your outdated tech with potential buyers. While most computer parts become obsolete quickly, some systems like Mac laptops and certain desktop components do retain value. By contacting local used computer dealers and doing some research, you can see what your computer is worth.

Sources: Digital Trends, Lifewire