Used Computer Disposal

[Michelle]

Does anyone have any tips on how to dispose of an old computer?

[Kem]

If you are planning on buying a new computer, I know that some of the major computer companies and stores let you trade-in your old one, and they recycle it. Be sure to remove the hard drive so that your information isn't passed on. (Deleting the files isn't enough -- data can still be recaptured.)

[Brad Fix]

Hi In Portland Or there is a company called City Recyclers that recycles used computers and electronics talk to Josh Nevela he can give you info on recyclers in your area. send me an e mail [e-mail] and i can give you his contact info

[Carolyn Thomas]

Shelby County has a service. Drop off such stuff at 6305 Haley Road . I think there's a place on Summer and will let you know when I find it - I have an old desktop and a monitor to get shot of, too. Remember to destroy your hard drive - a hammer will do the trick.

[Beckie]

Best Buy has a recycling program. You can take it to the Geek Squad and they will wipe out your hard drive and then recycle the computer. There's no charge.

[Michelle]

Thanks everyone. These are all great ideas!

[Jo Gaerlan]

In addition to all these great ideas, you may want to contact an after school program that may be able to have the computer fixed so they can use it for kids at risk type of programs. Or some of them send them abroad after being fixed to help kids in other countries.

[Merrian Nevin]

Our office (Coldwell Banker Real Estate- 161 S. San Antonio Rd, Los Altos, CA 94022) is having a free e-waste and shredding event on Saturday, 8/23/10 from 9am to 4pm. If you are in the mid-peninsula or south San Francisco Bay area, bring your old computers, TVs, keyboards, batteries, cell phones, hard drives, fax machines, oscilloscopes, stereo components & most other electronic or electric stuff working or not. We have been doing this 2-3 times a year. Everything collected is recycled or re-used.

[brattyworm]

check with your city. Tucson has a collection site at the dump especially for computers so they dont go into the landfill.

[BOB WATSON]

Most cities now have disposal stations for hazardous materials e.g. paints, tv's, computers, monitors, etc. Just check the yellow pages or call a computer store and ask if they accept old computers or can suggest where to go. A note: take out your hard drive and smash it with a hammer.

[Shibumikat]

Most cities will have a hazardous waste disposal center that will gladly take your computer. Check your city's waterbill or go online to find it. Check online for tips to wipe your hard drive or, as one person said, a hammer will do. If your computer is in good repair and in working order, how about donating it? There are groups that will repair an older computer and some people who can't afford one would jump at the chance to own one for school work or simple email or as an extra computer for the kids. You might call a school or charity in a less fortunate part of town, or call your community librarian...they know everything! :)

[Sue Ritter]

we have a tech company that wipes your drive clean and then recycles it to non-profit groups in our county. You get a tax receipt for your donation.

[Howard Gold]

You can always donate your computer to non-profit groups and organizations like churches and the American Red Cross as long as they are in working order and you have removed or destroyed the hard drive.