Where to take your old computer
Your old computer should not go in the trash. Computers contain materials that harm soil and water when they break down in landfills — lead, mercury, and cadmium among them. The safest route depends on whether the machine still works and what you want to happen to it next.
If the computer still powers on and runs, a donation centre or refurbishment program is usually your first choice. If it is broken or too old to use, a certified recycler is the right destination. A few retailers also take old computers back, though their programs vary by location and what they will accept.
The key difference: donation keeps the machine in use, while recycling breaks it down safely so the materials can be recovered. Both are free or nearly free. Throwing it away costs you nothing upfront but costs the environment later.
Key Takeaways
- Working computers should go to a donation centre, school, library, or nonprofit refurbishment program rather than recycling, because reuse is better than breaking them down.
- Broken or obsolete computers belong at a certified electronics recycler, which you can find through your city or county waste management office.
- Before you hand over any computer, wipe the hard drive completely using free software like DBAN or Eraser, because deletion alone leaves your data recoverable.
- Some retailers like Best Buy and Staples accept old computers for recycling, though they may charge a fee and have limits on what they take.
- Never pay someone to take your computer unless they are a certified recycler — free pickup services sometimes export machines to countries with weak environmental rules.
Donating a working computer
If your computer turns on, boots to the operating system, and runs without crashing, donation is almost always the better choice than recycling. Schools, libraries, nonprofits, and community centres often need machines, and refurbishment programs can extend the life of older hardware by years.
Start by contacting your local school district or public library — many have donation programs or can point you to one. Nonprofits like Goodwill, the Salvation Army, and local computer refurbishment shops also accept donations. Some will pick up from your home if the machine is heavy; others ask you to drop it off. Call ahead to confirm they take computers and what condition they need to be in.
Before you donate, back up any files you want to keep, then wipe the hard drive completely. Deletion is not enough — deleted files can be recovered with free software. Use a tool like DBAN (Darik's Boot and Nuke, free read) or Eraser (also free) to overwrite the entire drive so the data cannot be recovered. This takes 30 minutes to several hours depending on drive size, but it is the only safe way to erase your information.
Recycling a broken or obsolete computer
If the computer does not power on, crashes constantly, or is so old that no one would want it, recycling is the right path. A certified electronics recycler will disassemble the machine and recover materials like copper, gold, and plastic while handling hazardous substances safely.
Find a certified recycler through your city or county waste management website — most have a search tool or a list of approved facilities. You can also search the e-Stewards or R2 (Responsible Recycling) directories online to verify that a recycler is certified. Certification matters because uncertified recyclers sometimes ship broken electronics to countries where workers disassemble them by hand without protection, poisoning themselves and the local water supply.
Many recyclers take computers for free. Some charge a small fee — usually $10 to $25 — if the machine is large or contains hazardous materials. A few offer pickup for a fee if you have multiple machines or a very large desktop. Before you drop off or arrange pickup, ask whether they need the power cord and monitor, because some programs only take the tower or laptop itself.
Retail take-back programs
Best Buy, Staples, and a few other retailers run recycling programs that accept old computers. Best Buy takes computers for free if you are a member of their rewards program; non-members may pay a small fee. Staples charges a recycling fee that varies by machine type — typically $10 to $25 for a desktop or laptop.
These programs are convenient if you have a store nearby, but they are not always cheaper or faster than a local recycler. Call the store first to confirm they accept the type of computer you have and what the current fee is, because policies change. Ask whether they wipe the hard drive or whether you need to do it yourself before drop-off.
Preparing your computer for disposal
Before your computer leaves your hands — whether it is going to donation or recycling — you must erase the hard drive. This is the single most important step, because a working hard drive can be read by anyone with basic tools, and your files may include passwords, financial information, medical records, or tax returns.
If you are donating the machine, back up any files you want to keep first. Copy them to an external drive or cloud storage, then verify they are there before you erase the main drive. Once you have confirmed the backup is complete, use DBAN or Eraser to wipe the drive. Both are free, both work on Windows and Mac, and both overwrite the entire drive so recovery is not possible. The process is automatic — you boot from a USB stick or CD, select the drive, and let the software run. It takes time but requires no technical knowledge.
If you are recycling a broken machine and cannot power it on, you do not need to wipe the drive — the recycler will destroy it physically. But if the machine powers on at all, wipe it even if you are recycling it.
What not to do
Do not throw a computer in the trash or curbside recycling bin. Most waste facilities are not equipped to handle electronics, and the machine will end up in a landfill or an incinerator, releasing toxins into the soil and air.
Do not use a free pickup service unless you can confirm they are a certified recycler. Many "free computer pickup" services collect machines and ship them overseas to countries with weak environmental rules, where they are broken down in unsafe conditions. Stick with certified recyclers, donation centres, or retailers you know.
Do not assume deletion is enough to erase your data. Files deleted through the normal method — moving them to trash and emptying trash — are still on the drive and can be recovered. Only a tool like DBAN or Eraser truly removes them.
When to call a professional
If your computer is so damaged that you cannot power it on and you are not sure whether the hard drive is intact, contact a local recycler and ask what they recommend. Some recyclers will destroy the drive for you if you are concerned about data, though this usually costs extra.
If you have multiple computers or old servers, a commercial IT recycler may be faster than dropping machines off one at a time. Search for "IT asset disposal" or "commercial electronics recycling" in your area. These services often pick up and may offer a certificate of destruction, which is useful if you need proof for tax or compliance purposes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I donate a computer that is very old?
It depends on the organisation. Some nonprofits refurbish machines from the early 2000s if they still work. Others only take machines from the last five to ten years. Call ahead and describe the model and age — they will tell you whether they want it. If no one will take it, recycling is the next step.
What if I do not know my computer's password?
You can still wipe the drive using DBAN or Eraser — both run from a USB stick or CD before the operating system loads, so they do not need your password. If you cannot create a bootable USB stick, take the computer to a local recycler and ask them to wipe the drive before recycling it. Some do this for free; others charge a small fee.
Do I need to remove the hard drive before donating or recycling?
No. Leave the hard drive in the computer. If you remove it, you are responsible for destroying it safely, which is harder than letting the recycler handle the whole machine. Just make sure the drive is wiped before you hand the computer over.
Will a recycler pay me for an old computer?
Rarely. Most recyclers charge a small fee or take machines for free. If your computer is very new and in perfect condition, a refurbishment program or reseller might pay you a small amount, but expect nothing. Focus on finding a free or low-cost option rather than hoping to make money.
How do I know if a recycler is actually certified?
Look them up in the e-Stewards or R2 directories online — both maintain searchable lists of certified facilities. You can also ask the recycler directly for their certification number and verify it on the certifying organisation's website. Certified recyclers will have this information readily available.