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Recycling a computer is a great way to avoid wasting that expensive hardware you’d bought many years back, and it can mean a decent tax write-off, too. There are hundreds of companies around the U.S. that support computer recycling, but it’s important to do a little bit of preparation before recycling your PC.

First of all, before recycling a computer, it’s important to securely delete all of the information from the computer’s hard drive. This is easier than it sounds; there are numerous free programs available on the internet that can overwrite all of the information on a drive using secure methods (what’s often referred to as DoD methods, after the U.S. Department of Defense’s standards for data destruction). Make sure you’ve got all of your data that you need off of the drive before running these programs, as they’re completely permanent. You can also run high powered magnets on a hard drive, but this can ruin the drive, somewhat defeating the purpose of computer recycling. If you’re especially worried about data safety, simply remove the hard drive from the computer before recycling and store it yourself.

Next, you need to find a reputable local computer recycling center. In cities, many Goodwill, Salvation Army, and other similar organizations will take computers, although they may refuse large CRT monitors. Call ahead. You certainly don’t want to drive your computer all day looking for a recycling center. When recycling a PC, you’ll want to find a station that can give you some sort of a receipt for the donation that you can use on your taxes. If you can’t find a local Goodwill or if you would rather fully recycle the computer than donate it to charity, call local computer repair shops. Even if they don’t support PC recycling, they’ll often know a local place that does.

Look up the value of your PC before you recycle it, and you’ll get an accurate receipt. Computer recycling is a great way to get rid of a clunky old machine, and it’s a good move for your community and the environment. Think through the process, and everything should move smoothly.

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Related Questions

What is the purpose of a computer recycling center?

The purpose of a computer recycling center is to ensure that any usable or recyclable parts can be salvaged from the computer before disposing of it properly so it does not end up in a landfill.


What do you know about computer recycling?

Computer recycling is not always free, some places charge to accept old machines. Some companies like Apple will accept your old computer for free to recycle when you buy a new one from them. An alternative to recycling a functioning computer is donating it to a school or church.


Where can I find computer recycling companies in florida?

For computer recycling in Florida please visit www.PCDisposal.com .


What are the precautions to be taken before computer recycling with reason?

Computer recycling is an excellent idea, but it is important to take some precautions before you do it. The hard drive must be completely wiped clean by deleting all your information then formatting. Include all manuals and installation disks that you may have.


How can I be sure my information is safe with electronics recycling?

Before you send your computer to the electronics graveyard, remove the hard drive. If the computer still functions, you can erase the hard drive.


What You Should Know About Computer Recycling?

According to the National Recycling Coalition, computers are in the top ten of recycled items. With technological advances coming in at a rapid pace, consumers find that their computer equipment becomes obsolete before too long and need to dispose of their old equipment. Computer recycling is the green way to dispose of computer equipment as it not only helps to prevent hazardous products from filling up landfills, but also helps to conserve resources since recycled computers can be used. Many manufacturers are beginning to use recycled materials in the manufacturing of their products. This helps manufacturers produce products at a lower cost and pass these savings onto the consumer. Further, businesses expand and develop in an effort to handle increasing computer recycling needs, which helps to support job growth.Sometimes the entire computer can be saved and used to support schools, communities and low-income families not only in the United States but throughout the world. If the entire computer cannot be salvaged, then parts such as wires, batteries, plastic and metals can be reused in other electronics. Not only are computers recyclable, but your computer accessories such as the printer, scanner, speakers, keyboards, monitor and ink cartridges are valuable too for their parts.Companies such as Earth911 and the Consumer Electronics Association provide comprehensive databases of local computer recycling programs. These organizations have local agents that will accept your old computer for recycling. If you are interested in recycling your computer and its accessories for cash, EcoSquid can help you find a local agent that will pay for your old computer equipment. Some computer manufacturers have recycling programs in place and will give you instructions on how to pack up your computer and accessories for recycling. Additionally, retailers such as Best Buy offer computer recycling programs. Some retailers offer incentives such as gift cards and discounts for recycling electronics. Lastly, many communities and cities set aside one day a year to collect recyclable electronics, including computers.Tech soup suggests that you should wipe your hard drive clean before donating or recycling your computer. Even though most third-party recycling organization utilize hard drive wiping programs on recycled computers, it is still advised to wipe your confidential information off of your hard drive before releasing your computer. Remember, to back up your hard drive before wiping it clean because you won't be able to access your data once you use a hard drive cleaning program.


need to recycle computer old quintex with windows 98 also monitor, keyboard, mouse and speakers.?

Search for a recycling depot by inputing your city and 'computer recycling' or 'computer monitor recycling'. Monitors are treated differently than computers in some areas. Search for the manufacturer and 'recycling' too, as more manufacturers are operating their own recycling programs.


I would like contact information on computer recycling in my area: Columbus Georgia.?

Metro Computer Recycling can help with your computer. Their website is: www.metrocomputerrecycling.com. Please note there may be a charge to accept your old computer.


How do you find my recycling been for my computer?

The recycling bin for your computer is located on your desktop. If it is not visible, it can also be accessed through the Windows directory. In the Windows directory, you can perform a search to locate the path of the recycling bin.


Which companies offer PC recycling?

The following companies provide computer recycling services: Computer Recycling USA, Electronic Recyclers, and Creative Recycling.


Does every computer have a recycling bin?

yes


Do you know and junkyards that offer computer recycling pickup from your home?

There are commercial recycling/re-use companies who will pick up, but generally, the service is intended for businesses. Craigs List always lists people who are willing to pick up your old computer, printers and peripherals for free.