Where to take your computer depends on what condition it's in and whether you want to erase the data first

A working computer can go to a donation centre, a refurbishment program, or a retailer that accepts trade-ins. A broken one goes to an electronics recycler. Before you move it anywhere, you need to erase the hard drive or solid-state drive yourself — no organisation will do that for you, and data recovery is cheap and straightforward for anyone who gets the machine after you.

The fastest route is usually a local electronics recycler, which takes broken and working machines. Retailers like Best Buy and Staples accept old computers at their customer service desk, though some charge a fee. If the computer still works well, a donation centre or school may want it, but you'll need to handle the data deletion first.

Key Takeaways

  • You must erase the hard drive or SSD yourself before handing the computer to anyone — no recycler or donation centre will do it for you.
  • Working computers can go to donation centres, schools, or retailers; broken ones go to electronics recyclers or manufacturer take-back programs.
  • Best Buy charges a flat fee (usually $25 to $35) to accept most desktop and laptop computers; Staples charges a similar amount.
  • Data erasure takes 30 minutes to several hours depending on drive size and the method you choose.
  • Some manufacturers like Dell and Apple run mail-back recycling programs that may cover shipping if the machine is old enough.

How to erase your hard drive or SSD before disposal

On Windows, use the built-in reset tool. Go to Settings > System > Recovery, select "Reset this PC", and choose "Remove everything". The system will ask whether you want a quick reset or a full wipe; choose full wipe if the computer is going to someone else. This process takes one to four hours depending on drive size and can be done while you work on other things.

On Mac, restart the computer and hold Command + R to enter Recovery Mode. Open Disk Utility, select your main drive, and click Erase. Choose APFS as the format (or Mac OS Extended if the machine is older than 2017). Then reinstall macOS from the same Recovery Mode menu. This also takes one to four hours.

If the computer won't start, you can still erase the drive by removing it and connecting it to another computer via a USB adapter (about $15 to $30 online). Plug it in, use the same erase steps above, and reinstall the drive. If you're not comfortable opening the case, a local computer repair shop can do this for $50 to $100.

Do not rely on deleting files or emptying the Recycle Bin — deleted files remain on the drive until they're overwritten, and recovery software can still find them. A full erase or format is the only reliable method.

Donating a working computer to a school or non-profit

Schools and community centres often accept working computers, especially older models that still run basic software. Call your local school district's IT department or a nearby non-profit (food banks, job training centres, and libraries often have computer programs) and ask whether they take donations. Some have specific requirements — they may want Windows machines but not Macs, or vice versa — so confirm before you bring it in.

You'll need to erase the drive first, as described above. Some organisations will ask you to reinstall the operating system so the machine is ready to use; others will do that themselves. Ask when you call so you know what to prepare.

Donation centres like Goodwill and The Salvation Army accept computers, but they typically resell them rather than refurbish them for schools. If you want the machine to go to a student or low-income household, contacting a school or non-profit directly is more reliable.

Selling or trading in a working computer

If the machine is less than five years old and in good condition, you can sell it on Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or eBay. Erase the drive first, then list it with the processor, RAM, and storage size. Expect to recover 20 to 40 percent of the original purchase price depending on age and condition.

Best Buy and Staples both run trade-in programs. You can check the value of your machine on their websites by entering the brand and model. They typically offer $20 to $150 for working laptops and desktops, though older machines may not have any trade-in value. Both retailers charge a $25 to $35 recycling fee if the machine has no trade-in value, so ask before you bring it in.

Some manufacturers run their own trade-in programs. Dell, Apple, and Lenovo all accept old machines and offer store credit or cash. Visit their websites and search for "trade-in" or "recycling" to see current offers.

Taking a broken computer to an electronics recycler

A computer that won't start, has a cracked screen, or has hardware damage goes to an electronics recycler. Search online for "electronics recycling near me" or "e-waste recycling" to find local options. Most areas have at least one facility that accepts computers for free or a small fee.

If you can't find a local recycler, Best Buy and Staples will take broken machines for their standard $25 to $35 fee. Some manufacturers also run mail-back programs — Dell and Lenovo both accept broken machines and cover return shipping if the device is registered to you.

Before you drop off a broken computer, erase the drive if the machine will start. If it won't start and you're concerned about data, remove the hard drive yourself (usually four to six screws on the bottom or side of a laptop, or a few more on a desktop) and keep it. You can destroy it later with a hammer or drill, or take it separately to the recycler and watch them destroy it.

Recyclers extract copper, gold, and other metals from circuit boards, and they dispose of hazardous materials like batteries and mercury properly. This is the most environmentally sound option for machines that can't be repaired or donated.

Manufacturer take-back and mail-in programs

Dell, Apple, Lenovo, HP, and Asus all run recycling programs. Visit the manufacturer's website and search for "recycling" or "trade-in". Most programs accept machines that are five to ten years old or older, though some have no age limit.

Dell's program is free for machines registered to you; unregistered machines have a small fee. Apple's program offers store credit for working machines and free recycling for broken ones. Lenovo charges a flat fee (usually $10 to $15) for mail-in recycling. All three cover return shipping.

These programs are useful if you have an older machine and don't want to find a local recycler. The downside is that you have to pack and ship the computer yourself, which takes a few days. If you need the machine gone when ready, a local recycler is faster.

What happens to your computer after you hand it over

A working machine donated to a school or non-profit will be used by students or community members. A machine sold on the secondhand market goes to someone who will use it as-is. A machine taken by a retailer or manufacturer for trade-in may be refurbished and resold, or recycled if it's too old to repair.

A machine taken to an electronics recycler is disassembled. Metals like copper and gold are extracted and sold to metal refineries. Plastic and glass are separated and sent to plastic and glass processors. Hazardous materials like batteries, mercury, and lead are disposed of according to environmental regulations. This process recovers about 95 percent of the material in a computer and keeps toxic substances out of landfills.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I just throw a computer in the trash?

In most U.S. states, no — electronics are banned from landfills and incinerators. Many states have laws requiring manufacturers or retailers to accept old computers for recycling. Throwing one away can result in a fine. Use a recycler, retailer, or manufacturer program instead.

What if I forgot to erase the drive before I gave the computer away?

Contact the organisation or person who has it and ask them to erase it for you, or ask them to return it so you can erase it yourself. If you can't reach them, the data is at risk. In the future, erase the drive before you hand over any machine.

Do I need to remove the hard drive before recycling?

No, but you can if you want to keep it or destroy it yourself. Most recyclers will destroy drives as part of the process. If you're concerned about data and the machine won't start, removing the drive and destroying it separately is the safest option.

How much does it cost to recycle a computer?

Most local electronics recyclers take computers for free. Best Buy and Staples charge $25 to $35 if the machine has no trade-in value. Manufacturer programs vary — Dell is free for registered machines, Lenovo charges $10 to $15, and Apple is free for broken machines. Call ahead to confirm the fee.

Can I donate a computer that's more than ten years old?

Schools and non-profits may not want it because it's too slow for modern software. A recycler or manufacturer program is the better choice. Some recyclers specialise in older machines and may refurbish them for developing countries, so ask when you call.