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 contains materials that cannot go in the trash — circuit boards hold precious metals, and the screen or battery can leak toxic chemicals into soil and groundwater. You have four main routes: donation to a school or nonprofit, trade-in through a retailer, mail-back recycling programs, or drop-off at a local e-waste facility. Which one makes sense depends on whether the machine still works, whether you want someone else to use it, and what data is on the hard drive.
Before you do anything, you must erase the hard drive or remove it entirely. A factory reset is not enough — someone with basic tools can recover files from a wiped drive. The safest approach is to physically destroy the drive or use dedicated data-destruction software, then verify the erasure before handing the computer over.
Key Takeaways
- Never throw a computer in the trash; it contains toxic materials and precious metals that belong in a recycling stream.
- Erase or physically remove the hard drive before donating or recycling, because a factory reset does not prevent data recovery.
- Working computers in decent condition can go to schools, libraries, or nonprofits; many will pick up or accept mail-in donations.
- Retailers like Best Buy and Apple accept old computers for recycling at no cost, and some offer trade-in credit if the machine still powers on.
- Local e-waste facilities and manufacturer take-back programs are free options if donation and retail routes are not available in your area.
Erase the hard drive before you give the computer away
A factory reset, restart, or format does not erase data permanently. Files remain on the drive in a way that recovery software can retrieve them — even after you have reinstalled the operating system. Before the computer leaves your hands, you need to either destroy the drive or overwrite it with random data.
The simplest method is to physically remove the hard drive and destroy it yourself. On most laptops and desktops, the drive is held in place by a few screws and slides out in seconds. Once removed, you can smash it with a hammer, drill through the platters, or use a degausser (a device that erases magnetic drives). For solid-state drives (SSDs), physical destruction is also the most reliable method, though some newer SSDs support a find erase command through the BIOS or firmware.
If you want to keep the drive or cannot remove it, use data-destruction software. Programs like DBAN (Darik's Boot Negator, free) or Eraser overwrite the entire drive with random data multiple times, making recovery nearly impossible. read the software on a working computer, create a bootable USB drive, boot the old computer from that drive, and let the program run for several hours. Verify the process completed before you move on.
Donate working computers to schools, libraries, and nonprofits
If your computer still powers on and runs reasonably fast, a school, library, community center, or nonprofit may want it. Many organizations have computer labs for students or job training programs and accept donations of working machines. Contact the IT department or main office directly — do not assume they take donations without asking first, because some have strict hardware standards or limited storage space.
Local Goodwill and Salvation Army locations accept computers, though they may charge a small fee to process them. Freecycle.org and Buy Nothing groups on Facebook let you post the computer for free pickup by someone in your neighborhood. These routes keep the machine in use rather than in a recycling stream, which is better for the environment and may help someone who cannot afford a new one.
Some manufacturers run donation programs. Apple's Trade In program accepts old Macs and iPads; Dell and HP have similar schemes. Check the manufacturer's website to see if they partner with nonprofits in your area. Shipping is usually free if you start the process through their site.
Trade in or recycle through retailers
Best Buy accepts computers for recycling at any store, free of charge. You can drop off a desktop, laptop, or monitor without an appointment. If the machine still powers on and is less than five years old, Best Buy's Trade In program may offer store credit — usually $5 to $50 depending on the model and condition. You can check the trade-in value on their website before you visit.
Apple Stores accept old Macs, iPhones, and iPads for recycling or trade-in. If your device is recent enough and in good condition, you may receive credit toward a new purchase. Bring your computer to any Apple Store, or start the process online and mail it in.
Other electronics retailers like Micro Center and local computer shops may also accept old machines. Call ahead to confirm they take donations or recycling and whether they offer any credit. Some charge a small fee if the computer no longer works, so ask about their policy before you arrive.
Use manufacturer take-back programs
Dell, HP, Lenovo, and other manufacturers run mail-back recycling programs. Visit the manufacturer's website, find the recycling or take-back page, and follow the instructions to request a prepaid shipping label. You pack the computer, print the label, and drop it at a UPS or FedEx location. The manufacturer handles the rest at no cost to you.
Some manufacturers charge a small fee if the computer contains hazardous materials like a lithium battery or CRT monitor, but most desktop and laptop recycling is free. The program usually takes two to four weeks from the time you ship it. You do not need to include the original box or cables — just the computer itself.
Find a local e-waste drop-off facility
Most cities and counties run e-waste collection events or have permanent drop-off locations. Search "e-waste recycling near me" or visit your county's solid waste website to find the nearest facility. Some accept computers year-round during business hours; others hold collection days once or twice a year. Many are free, though a few charge a small fee per item.
Call or check the website before you go, because facilities often have rules about what they accept and whether you need to make an appointment. Some require you to remove the battery or hard drive yourself; others do it for you. Bring your computer during their posted hours, and ask for a receipt if you want documentation that it was recycled.
What not to do with an old computer
Do not throw it in the trash or curbside recycling bin. Computers contain lead, mercury, and cadmium — materials that are illegal to landfill in most states. Trash trucks and landfills are not equipped to handle them, and they will contaminate soil and groundwater.
Do not donate or sell a computer without erasing the hard drive, even if you think you deleted everything. Do not assume the person who receives it will erase it themselves — many will not, and your personal files, passwords, and financial information could be at risk.
Do not mail a computer to an unknown buyer on a marketplace site without confirming they are a legitimate recycler. Some "recyclers" export computers to countries with weak environmental standards, where workers disassemble them by hand without protection, releasing toxic fumes and contaminating local water supplies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I donate a computer that does not turn on anymore?
Most nonprofits and schools want working machines, so a broken computer is not useful to them. Your best option is a retailer like Best Buy or a local e-waste facility, both of which accept non-working computers for recycling at no cost. Some manufacturers also accept broken machines through their take-back programs.
Do I need to remove the hard drive before dropping it off at Best Buy?
No, you do not have to. Best Buy's recycling process includes hard drive destruction. However, if you are concerned about data security or want to reuse the drive in another machine, you can remove it yourself before you drop off the computer. Just make sure the machine still powers on if you want trade-in credit.
What if my computer has a lithium battery that will not hold a charge?
Lithium batteries are hazardous and cannot be thrown away. Most retailers and e-waste facilities accept them as part of the computer recycling process. If you remove the battery yourself, some facilities have a separate drop-off area for batteries. Call ahead to confirm they accept damaged or swollen batteries, because a few facilities have restrictions.
How long does it take to recycle a computer through a manufacturer program?
Mail-back programs usually take two to four weeks from the time you ship the computer. You will receive a prepaid shipping label, so you just need to pack it and drop it off. Some manufacturers send a confirmation email when the package arrives at their facility, so you can track the process.
Can I get money for an old computer?
If it still works and is less than five years old, retailers like Best Buy and Apple may offer trade-in credit. You can also sell a working computer on Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or eBay, though you will need to handle the sale and shipping yourself. For older or broken machines, donation or recycling is usually the only option.