When and how should you recycle your computer?

How to Recycle Computers: Recycling Used Computer Hardware
Discover three options for recycling your used computer when it becomes obsolete
With technology evolving as rapidly as it is today, many computers from a year or two ago are already obsolete.

When you finally decide it’s time to ditch your old desktop and giant monitor for a sleek new laptop (or even just a newer, prettier desktop), you’re faced with the task of getting rid of your old computer. The easiest thing to do may be to set your old computer out on the curb and wait for a passerby to snag it, but that’s not environmentally friendly (or legal in many places!), and most garbage disposal services no longer take discarded equipment for this reason. When it comes to recycling your computer, you have several different options that shouldn’t require too much effort on your part.

Return your computer to a manufacturer for computer hardware recycling.

If you recently purchased a new computer, you may be able to return your old computer to the manufacturer. Many computer manufacturers, including Apple, HP, and Dell, offer programs that allow you to send them your old computer for free, which they will then recycle if you recently purchased one of their products. One of the easiest ways to recycle old computers is directly from the manufacturer, especially if they foot the bill for shipping. Additionally, some retailers collect used computers to recycle them themselves and give them a second life.

Even if you haven’t recently purchased a computer, you may be able to return your old computer to a manufacturer. However, this could cost you money. For example, Dell offers a program that allows you to send in your computer after selecting a computer recycling kit for $10 or $20. HP asks you to provide them with information about your computer, your location, and so on, and will then send you a quote. Some manufacturers may require you to pay for shipping and handling, but the fees are usually reasonable.

Take your old computers to a nearby recycling center.

Chances are, there’s a computer recycling center or program in your area. Visit the Consumer Education Initiative to find computer recycling centers near you. These recycling centers typically accept more than just computers, so if you’re looking to dispose of any other electronic components, check to see if they can be recycled at your local recycling center.

Donate your computer to a charity. The ultimate way to recycle your computer or a used computer, if it still works, is to donate it to a local charity or school. Then, you know that by recycling old computers, someone will be reusing your computers, not just their components and/or materials. Donating your work computer can make a big difference in someone’s life.

Respect for the environment is our business

When you recycle computers, you demonstrate your environmental responsibility. While recycling computers isn’t as easy as throwing them in the trash, you can be proud of using your computer to reclaim your good deeds, especially if you’re giving a used computer to someone who wouldn’t otherwise have one.

Making a gesture for the planet as a responsible consumer also means worrying about what will become of all those objects that we bought at the time when they were Hitech and which served us well. A reflex that we should have when making our purchase, worry about the life of the computer and it is necessary to change it before it is completely out of use.

A computer contains components that, if left in the wild, can have harmful consequences for the environment and, consequently, for our health. Your local government or town hall can provide you with all the information you need about recycling options. Municipalities also have container parks where you can drop off your computers for free. This is a great gesture for our environment!