Where to take your old computer depends on its condition and what you want to happen to it
An old computer can go to a recycler, a donation center, a manufacturer take-back program, or a local e-waste collection event. The right choice depends on whether the machine still works, whether you want someone else to use it, and what's convenient for you. Some routes are free; others charge a small fee. A few will pay you if the computer has resale value.
Do not put a computer in the trash or curbside recycling. Computers contain materials that poison soil and water when they break down in landfills—lead, mercury, and cadmium are common in older machines. Most states have laws against it, and some charge fines.
Key Takeaways
- Donation centers and schools take working computers for free, but you must erase all your data first using built-in tools like Windows Reset or Mac Erase.
- Manufacturer take-back programs (Dell, HP, Lenovo, Apple) often accept old machines for free or a small fee and handle data destruction themselves.
- Certified e-waste recyclers break down computers safely and recover materials like copper and gold; search for "e-waste recycler near me" or use the Earth911 tool.
- Local government e-waste collection events happen once or twice a year in most counties and accept computers free of charge.
- Never donate or sell a computer without wiping the hard drive completely—factory reset is not enough to remove your files permanently.
Erasing your data before you give away or recycle the computer
Before the computer leaves your hands, you must remove all your personal information. A factory reset or "restore" does not actually erase files—it just hides them. Someone with basic tools can recover them. Use the operating system's built-in find erase tool instead.
On Windows 10 or 11: Go to Settings > System > Recovery, then click "Reset this PC." Choose "Remove everything." Windows will ask whether to remove files quickly or thoroughly; choose thoroughly. This takes longer but overwrites the drive so recovery is much harder. You can also use the free tool DBAN (Darik's Boot and Nuke) if you want more control.
On a Mac: Back up anything you want to keep first. Then go to System Settings > General > Transfer or Reset, click "Erase All Content and Settings," and follow the prompts. For older Macs, use Disk Utility: restart while holding Command-R, open Disk Utility, select your drive, and click "Erase."
After you erase, the computer will not start up normally. That is correct—it means the drive is clean. The person who receives it will reinstall the operating system themselves.
Donating a working computer to a school or nonprofit
Schools, libraries, senior centers, and nonprofits often accept working computers. Call ahead to ask whether they take donations and what condition they need. Some want machines no older than five or six years; others take anything that powers on.
Common places to contact: your local school district's IT department, public libraries, community colleges, workforce development centers, and charities like Goodwill or the Salvation Army. Some will pick up if the machine is heavy. Others ask you to drop it off. Erase the drive first using the steps above.
If you want to find nonprofits in your area that accept computer donations, search "[your city] computer donation nonprofit" or call 211 (a free referral line in most U.S. areas). They can tell you which organizations are currently taking machines.
Manufacturer take-back and trade-in programs
Dell, HP, Lenovo, Apple, Asus, and most other major brands run their own recycling programs. You can mail the computer to them or drop it at a retail location. Some programs are free; others charge $10 to $30 depending on the machine's age and size. A few will pay you if the computer is recent and in good condition.
To find the program for your brand, search "[manufacturer name] recycling program" or "[manufacturer name] take-back." You will land on their official page. Most ask you to enter the model number or serial number, then tell you the cost and how to ship it. The manufacturer handles data destruction, so you do not have to erase the drive yourself—though it is safer to do so anyway.
Apple's program is called Trade In; Dell's is Dell Reconnect; HP's is HP Planet Partners. Lenovo has a similar program. Check the manufacturer's website for current details, as programs change.
Certified e-waste recyclers in your area
A certified e-waste recycler takes computers apart safely, recovers materials like copper, aluminum, and gold, and disposes of hazardous parts correctly. Most charge a small fee—typically $10 to $30 for a desktop or laptop—though some are free.
To find one near you, use the Earth911 recycling search tool (earth911.com). Enter "computer" and your zip code. The tool shows certified recyclers, their addresses, hours, and whether they charge. You can also search "[your city] e-waste recycler" or "[your county] e-waste collection."
Before you take the computer in, erase the drive using the steps in the data section above. Most recyclers will not may provide data destruction unless you pay extra, so it is your responsibility to make sure your files are gone.
Free e-waste collection events in your county
Most counties hold one or two free e-waste collection days each year. You can drop off computers, monitors, keyboards, cables, and other electronics with no charge. These events are usually run by the county solid waste department or a local environmental nonprofit.
To find out when the next event is, call your county's solid waste or public works department, or search "[your county name] e-waste collection day." You can also check your county's official website under "recycling" or "waste disposal." Some counties post the schedule in spring for the whole year.
Erase your drive before you go. The event staff do not handle data destruction, and you cannot control who handles the computer after you drop it off.
Selling a computer with resale value
If your computer is fewer than five years old, in good working order, and a recognizable brand (Apple, Dell, HP, Lenovo), it may have resale value. You can sell it on Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, eBay, or a local buy-sell site. Some electronics retailers like Best Buy also buy used computers.
Before you list it, erase the drive completely using the find erase method described above. Do not just sign out of your accounts—erase the entire drive. Then reinstall the operating system so the buyer has a clean machine to set up.
Be honest about the machine's age, condition, and any damage. Take clear photos of the screen and any scratches or dents. Expect to sell a five-year-old laptop for 20 to 40 percent of its original price, depending on the brand and condition. Older machines often sell for $50 to $200 or less.
What to do with monitors, keyboards, and cables
Monitors, keyboards, mice, and cables can go to the same places as computers. Certified e-waste recyclers take all of them. Donation centers often accept working keyboards and mice. Manufacturer programs sometimes take peripherals if you mail them with the computer.
Do not throw them in the trash. Monitors contain mercury and lead. Cables and plastic peripherals take decades to break down. Use the same Earth911 tool or county collection event to dispose of them safely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I donate a computer that does not turn on anymore?
Most donation centers want working machines. A certified e-waste recycler will take a broken computer and recover materials from it. Some manufacturer programs also accept non-working machines. Call ahead to confirm before you drop it off.
What if I forgot to erase the drive before I gave the computer away?
If you donated it to a school or nonprofit, contact them and ask whether they have erased it yet. If they have not, ask them to do so before they use it. If you sold it or gave it away privately, you cannot control what happens next, which is why erasing before you hand it over is important.
Do I have to pay to recycle a computer?
Free options exist: county e-waste collection events, some manufacturer programs, and some nonprofits. Certified recyclers usually charge $10 to $30. If cost is a barrier, search for a free event in your area or call 211 to ask about free recycling options near you.
Can I recycle a computer at Best Buy or another electronics store?
Best Buy accepts computers and electronics for recycling. Some locations charge a small fee; others are free. Call your local store or check their website to confirm. Other electronics retailers vary—some recycle, some do not. Always call ahead.
What happens to my computer after a recycler takes it?
A certified recycler breaks it down into parts: metal (copper, aluminum, gold), plastic, and glass. Hazardous materials like batteries and mercury are separated and disposed of safely. The metals are sold to manufacturers. Plastic and glass are either recycled or disposed of in a way that does not contaminate soil or water.