Where to take old computers instead of the trash
Do not throw a computer in the regular garbage. Computers contain materials that damage soil and water — lead, mercury, and cadmium — and most places have laws against it. Your best options are a manufacturer take-back program, a local e-waste recycler, or a donation center that refurbishes machines.
The fastest route depends on whether the computer still works. If it powers on and the operating system loads, donation is usually easiest and fastest. If it does not work or is too old to be useful, a certified e-waste recycler is your next choice. Manufacturer programs exist but often charge a fee and require shipping.
Before you move the computer anywhere, back up or erase the hard drive. A recycler will wipe it, but doing it yourself first means your files stay private and you control what happens to your data.
Key Takeaways
- Erase or back up your hard drive before giving away or recycling any computer, because the recycler may not may provide data destruction.
- Working computers can go to nonprofits, schools, libraries, or refurbishment centers, which often pick up for free or accept drop-off.
- Broken computers belong at a certified e-waste recycler, which you can find through your city or county solid waste department.
- Manufacturer take-back programs exist but usually charge a shipping fee and take longer than local options.
- Some retailers that sell computers, including Best Buy and Staples, accept old machines at the register or customer service desk.
Donating a working computer
If your computer turns on, boots into Windows or macOS, and runs without crashing, it has value to someone. Schools, libraries, nonprofits, and community centers often accept donations. Some organizations specialize in refurbishing old machines and selling them cheaply to low-income families or students.
Call ahead before you show up with a computer. Ask whether they accept your model, whether they pick up or require drop-off, and what condition they need it in. Some places want a keyboard and mouse included; others do not. A few will ask you to wipe the hard drive yourself, while others handle it.
Common donation destinations include Goodwill, Salvation Army, local libraries, school districts, and nonprofits focused on technology access. Search "[your city] donate computer" to find organizations near you. If you want to donate to a specific school or nonprofit, call their main office and ask whether they have a technology department that accepts donations.
Recycling a broken or obsolete computer
When a computer no longer works or is too old to be useful, a certified e-waste recycler will dismantle it safely and recover materials like copper, aluminum, and gold from the circuit boards. They also may support that hazardous materials are handled properly instead of leaching into groundwater.
Find a recycler through your city or county solid waste department — most have a list on their website or a phone line that can tell you where to go. Search "[your county] e-waste recycling" or "[your city] computer recycling" to find the nearest location. Some recyclers charge a small fee (usually $10 to $30 for a desktop or laptop), while others accept machines for free.
When you arrive, tell the staff what you have — a desktop tower, a laptop, a monitor, or all three. They will direct you to drop it off or may ask you to leave it in a designated area. Ask whether they provide a receipt or certificate showing the machine was recycled, which some people keep for their records.
Using manufacturer take-back programs
Most major computer makers — Dell, HP, Lenovo, Apple, Asus, and others — run take-back programs where you can mail in an old machine. These programs are convenient if you have no local recycler, but they usually charge a shipping fee and take several weeks.
Go to the manufacturer's website and search for "recycling" or "take-back program." You will find a form where you describe the computer and pay a fee (typically $15 to $50 depending on the machine size). The company sends you a prepaid shipping label, you pack the computer, and you drop it at a shipping location. The recycler then processes it and sends you confirmation.
This route makes sense if you have a newer machine in good condition that the manufacturer wants to refurbish, or if you have no other option nearby. For most people, a local recycler or donation center is faster and cheaper.
Erasing your hard drive before you let it go
Your hard drive contains passwords, financial records, medical information, and personal files. Before you hand over a computer, erase it completely so that data cannot be recovered. This takes 30 minutes to an hour depending on the drive size and your operating system.
On Windows, use the built-in reset tool: go to Settings, select System, then Recovery, and choose "Reset this PC." Select "Remove everything" and let it run. On Mac, restart the computer, hold Command and R to enter Recovery Mode, go to Utilities, select Disk Utility, choose your drive, and click Erase. Both methods wipe the drive and reinstall a fresh operating system.
If the computer will not start, you have two options: remove the hard drive yourself (if you are comfortable opening the case) and destroy it physically, or let the recycler handle it and ask for a certificate of data destruction. Many certified recyclers will destroy the drive on request at no extra cost.
Selling an old computer instead of giving it away
If your computer is less than five years old, works reliably, and has decent specs, you can sell it online instead of donating or recycling it. Websites like eBay, Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and Swappa let you list a used computer and reach buyers in your area or nationwide.
Price it realistically by searching for the same model on the same platform and seeing what others are asking. A five-year-old laptop in good condition might sell for 30 to 50 percent of its original price; older machines sell for much less. Factor in the time you spend photographing, writing a description, answering questions, and arranging pickup or shipping.
Be honest about the condition, any scratches or dents, and what software is included. Erase the hard drive before the buyer takes it, just as you would with a donation. If you ship the machine, pack it well and insure the package, because shipping damage is common and expensive to dispute.
What retailers accept for recycling or trade-in
Best Buy accepts computers at the customer service desk and will recycle them for free if you bought them there, or for a small fee otherwise. Staples has a similar program. Apple Stores take back old Macs and iPhones and offer trade-in credit toward a new purchase. Some local computer repair shops also accept old machines for recycling or refurbishment.
Call the store before you go to confirm they accept your type of machine and whether you need an appointment. Ask whether they charge a fee and whether they provide a receipt. Some retailers will give you store credit or a small cash payment if the machine is in good working condition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I throw a computer in the recycling bin with plastic and paper?
No. Computers contain toxic metals and circuit boards that require special handling. Most curbside recycling programs will reject them or damage the sorting equipment. Take it to an e-waste recycler or donation center instead.
What if I do not know the manufacturer or cannot find their take-back program?
Use your city or county solid waste department's e-waste directory instead. Search "[your county] e-waste" or call the main waste management line. A local recycler will accept any brand and usually costs less than shipping to a manufacturer.
Do I need to remove the hard drive myself before recycling?
No, but you should erase it first using your operating system's built-in reset tool. If the computer will not start, ask the recycler whether they provide a certificate of data destruction. Many certified recyclers destroy drives on request at no extra cost.
Will a nonprofit take a computer that is 10 years old?
Possibly, but call first. Very old machines may be too slow for modern software or too expensive to refurbish. A recycler will always accept it, even if no organization wants it for reuse.
Can I get money for an old computer?
Yes, if it works and is less than five years old. Sell it on Facebook Marketplace, eBay, or Craigslist. Older or broken machines have little resale value, so donation or recycling is usually faster and easier than trying to sell.