Where to take your old computer depends on what condition it's in and whether you want to erase the data first
An old computer is not trash. It contains materials that are toxic in landfills—lead, mercury, cadmium—and parts that can be reused or recycled. Your options are donation, trade-in, manufacturer take-back, or a certified e-waste recycler. The right choice depends on whether the machine still works, whether you want to wipe your personal data, and what's available near you.
Before you move it anywhere, you need to handle the data on the hard drive. Even if you delete files normally, they can be recovered. If the computer still powers on, use built-in tools to securely erase the drive. If it doesn't power on, physical destruction or a certified recycler who destroys drives is your safest option. Only after the drive is handled should you move forward with donation or recycling.
Key Takeaways
- Securely erase your hard drive before giving away or recycling any computer, because deleted files can be recovered by someone with basic tools.
- Working computers in decent condition can be donated to schools, nonprofits, or community programs, or sold through trade-in programs.
- Broken computers and those you cannot erase should go to a certified e-waste recycler, which you can find through your city or county waste management office.
- Manufacturer take-back programs exist for most major brands and often include prepaid shipping, though they may charge a small fee.
- Never put a computer in the regular trash or curbside recycling, because it contaminates the recycling stream and leaches toxins into soil.
How to securely erase your hard drive before disposal
If your computer still turns on, use the operating system's built-in erase tool. On Windows, go to Settings > System > Recovery and select "Reset this PC." Choose "Remove everything" and let it run to completion—this overwrites the drive so deleted files cannot be recovered. On Mac, restart the computer, hold Command and R to enter Recovery Mode, then select Disk Utility > Erase. Both processes take 30 minutes to several hours depending on drive size.
If you want extra assurance, third-party tools like DBAN (Darik's Boot Negator) or Eraser can overwrite the drive multiple times, making recovery nearly impossible. read the tool on a working computer, create a bootable USB drive, and run it on the computer you're erasing. Follow the tool's instructions exactly—these are permanent operations.
If the computer will not power on or you are not comfortable doing this yourself, do not attempt to erase it. Instead, remove the hard drive physically if you can (YouTube has guides for your specific model), or take the whole machine to a certified e-waste recycler who will destroy the drive as part of their process. A recycler's data destruction is documented and verifiable, which is safer than guessing whether you did it right.
Donating a working computer to schools and nonprofits
Schools, libraries, community centers, and nonprofits often accept working computers. Call ahead to ask what they need—some want desktop machines, others only laptops, and many have specific requirements for RAM or processor speed. A computer from 2015 or newer is usually useful; anything older may be too slow for modern software.
Local options include your school district's IT department, public libraries, senior centers, job training programs, and organizations that refurbish computers for low-income families. Search "[your city] donate computer" or call your city's 211 line (dial 2-1-1) and ask for computer donation programs. Many will arrange pickup if the machine is in working condition.
Before you donate, erase the hard drive using the method above, then reinstall the operating system if possible. This gives the organization a clean machine and proves the drive was wiped. If you cannot reinstall the OS, tell them the drive was securely erased and provide documentation of the tool you used.
Trade-in and manufacturer take-back programs
If your computer is relatively recent and in working condition, trade-in programs will pay you a small amount or credit toward a new purchase. Best Buy's trade-in program accepts computers of any age and condition; you can check the value online by entering your model. Apple, Dell, HP, and Lenovo all run trade-in programs on their websites. Prices are usually $10 to $100 depending on age and condition, but they cover shipping.
Manufacturer take-back is free or low-cost recycling run by the company that made your computer. Dell, HP, Lenovo, Apple, and Asus all have programs—search "[brand] recycling program" to find the link. Some charge $10 to $30 for pickup or shipping, others are free. You mail the computer to them or schedule a pickup, and they handle data destruction and recycling. The process is documented, so you have proof the machine was properly handled.
Trade-in programs typically pay more than take-back programs, but take-back is more convenient if the computer is broken or very old. Compare the two for your specific model before deciding.
Finding a certified e-waste recycler near you
If the computer is broken, too old to donate, or you cannot erase the drive, take it to a certified e-waste recycler. These facilities dismantle computers, separate materials by type, and dispose of hazardous components safely. They also destroy hard drives so data cannot be recovered.
Search for recyclers through your city or county waste management website—most have a list of certified facilities. You can also use the e-Stewards directory (e-stewards.org) or the R2 (Responsible Recycling) certification database to find recyclers near you. Call ahead to ask if they accept computers, what the cost is (usually $0 to $25), and whether they offer pickup.
When you drop off the computer, ask for a receipt that confirms the machine was received. Some recyclers provide a certificate of data destruction if you request it. Keep this documentation in case you ever need proof the computer was disposed of properly.
What not to do with an old computer
Never put a computer in the trash or curbside recycling bin. Landfills are not designed to contain the lead, mercury, and cadmium in circuit boards and monitors. These toxins leach into groundwater and soil. Curbside recycling programs cannot process computers safely—the machinery that sorts metal and plastic will break if it encounters a hard drive or battery, and the computer will contaminate an entire load of recyclables.
Do not donate a computer without erasing the hard drive, even if you think you deleted everything. Standard deletion leaves data intact and recoverable. Do not assume the recipient will handle it—many people do not know how to erase a drive securely, and your personal information could be at risk.
Do not attempt to disassemble a computer yourself to extract valuable metals or parts unless you have specific training. Computers contain hazardous materials that require protective equipment to handle safely. A certified recycler has the tools and knowledge to do this without exposing themselves or the environment to harm.
Preparing your computer for pickup or drop-off
Before you hand over the computer, gather any cables, power adapters, and peripherals that came with it. These are harder to recycle separately and are more valuable to a recipient if they stay with the machine. If you have the original box or documentation, include those too.
Wipe down the outside of the case with a dry cloth to remove dust. If the computer is going to a donation program, a clean machine makes a better impression and is more likely to be used. If it is going to a recycler, cleanliness does not matter, but removing loose items prevents them from getting lost in the recycling process.
If you are shipping the computer, pack it in a box with padding on all sides. Hard drives and screens are fragile. Use bubble wrap or foam peanuts, and seal the box securely. If the program provides a prepaid shipping label, use that. If you are paying for shipping yourself, insure the package in case it is damaged in transit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I donate a computer with a broken screen?
It depends on the organization. Some nonprofits and schools can repair screens or use the computer as a parts donor. Call ahead and describe the damage. If no one will take it, a certified e-waste recycler will accept it and extract the reusable components.
What if I forgot to erase the hard drive before donating?
Contact the organization when ready and tell them the drive was not erased. Ask them to stop using the computer and either return it to you or take it to a recycler for data destruction. If you cannot reach them, you may want to contact a lawyer about your liability, especially if the computer contained financial or medical information.
Do I need to remove the hard drive before recycling?
No. A certified recycler will remove and destroy the hard drive as part of their process. If you remove it yourself, you are responsible for destroying it separately—do not throw it away or donate it. If you are uncomfortable removing it, leave it in the computer and let the recycler handle it.
How long does it take to erase a hard drive?
Using Windows Reset or Mac Erase usually takes 30 minutes to two hours depending on drive size and computer speed. Third-party tools like DBAN can take longer, especially if you choose multiple overwrite passes. Plan for at least an hour and do not interrupt the process once it starts.
Will a recycler charge me to take my old computer?
Most certified recyclers charge $0 to $25 per computer. Some are free, others charge a small fee. Manufacturer take-back programs vary—some are free, others charge $10 to $30. Trade-in programs pay you instead. Call ahead to ask about cost before you drop off or schedule pickup.