Where to take an old computer depends on its condition and what you want to happen to it
You have three main paths: donate it if it still works, recycle it through an e-waste program, or sell it for parts. The choice depends on whether the machine powers on, whether you want to erase the data first, and whether you need a tax deduction or cash. Most communities have at least one free option, though some charge a small fee.
Do not throw a computer in the trash or curbside recycling. Computers contain lead, mercury, and cadmium in the monitor and circuit boards. These leach into soil and groundwater. Many states legally prohibit it. E-waste programs exist specifically to extract and safely handle these materials.
Key Takeaways
- Erase your hard drive completely before giving away or selling a computer, using built-in tools like Windows Reset or Mac Erase, not just deleting files.
- Donation works best for computers less than 10 years old that power on and run an operating system; schools, nonprofits, and refurbishers accept them.
- E-waste recyclers accept any computer regardless of age or condition and are often free through municipal programs or manufacturer take-back schemes.
- Selling for parts makes sense only if the machine has a working graphics card, CPU, or RAM worth extracting; most older computers have little resale value.
- Data destruction is your responsibility—donation centers and recyclers do not may provide erasure, so wipe the drive yourself before handing it over.
How to erase your data before giving away the computer
Deleting files or emptying the trash does not remove data from the hard drive. Recovery software can still pull deleted files back. You need to overwrite the entire drive with random data so the original information is unrecoverable.
On Windows 10 or 11, use the built-in Reset function. Go to Settings > System > Recovery, select "Reset this PC," and choose "Remove everything." This wipes the drive and reinstalls Windows. On a Mac, restart in Recovery Mode (Command + R during startup), open Disk Utility, select your drive, and click "Erase." Choose APFS or Mac OS Extended format.
If the computer does not power on or the operating system is corrupted, you have two options: remove the hard drive physically and destroy it with a drill or hammer, or take the whole machine to an e-waste recycler who will handle destruction. Do not guess whether data is gone—if you are uncertain, destroy the drive.
Donating a working computer to schools and nonprofits
Schools, libraries, community centers, and nonprofits often accept donated computers. Call ahead to ask what they need—many want laptops or newer desktops but turn down older machines. Ask whether they will handle data erasure or whether you must do it first (you should do it yourself to be safe).
Local school districts sometimes have donation programs. Contact the technology department directly rather than the main office. Goodwill and Salvation Army locations accept computers, though they may charge a small fee to recycle machines that do not sell. Some offer free pickup for multiple items.
Nonprofit refurbishers like World Computer Exchange, TechSoup, and local community tech centers rebuild machines and distribute them to low-income households or schools in developing countries. These organizations are selective—they want machines from the last 10 years that have working screens, keyboards, and trackpads. Search "[your city] computer donation nonprofit" to find local options.
Using manufacturer take-back and mail-in recycling programs
Dell, HP, Lenovo, Apple, and other manufacturers run take-back programs. Visit the manufacturer's website, search for "recycling" or "take-back," and follow the instructions. Some programs are free; others charge a flat fee of $10 to $30 depending on the machine type and whether you want pickup.
Best Buy accepts computers at the customer service desk—most items are free, though large monitors or multiple machines may incur a small recycling fee. You do not need a receipt. Staples also takes computers and peripherals for free at the register.
Mail-in programs like GreenCitizen and ERI (Electronic Recyclers International) send you a prepaid shipping label. You pack the computer, drop it at a UPS or FedEx location, and they handle recycling. These work well if you have no local options, though shipping costs money if you choose a paid service.
Finding municipal e-waste collection events and drop-off sites
Most cities and counties run free e-waste collection days one or two times per year. Search "[your county] e-waste collection" or "[your city] electronics recycling" to find dates and locations. Some municipalities have permanent drop-off sites open year-round.
Call your local solid waste management department or visit the city website to ask about permanent collection centers. Many accept computers, monitors, keyboards, and cables at no cost. Some require you to schedule a drop-off appointment; others accept walk-ins during set hours.
The Earth911 recycling search tool (earth911.com) lets you enter your zip code and "computer" to find certified e-waste recyclers near you. Filter by "free" to see no-cost options. Call before you go to confirm hours and whether they accept your specific item.
Selling a computer for parts or as-is
Selling makes sense only if the computer has components worth money—typically a working graphics card, high-end CPU, or large amounts of RAM. Older machines rarely have parts worth extracting. A 2015 laptop with a broken screen and a working motherboard might fetch $20 to $50 on eBay; a 2005 desktop is usually worth less than shipping costs.
List the computer on Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or eBay as-is if it powers on but has cosmetic damage or a cracked screen. Be honest about what works and what does not. Expect to sell a used machine for 10 to 30 percent of its original price, depending on age and condition.
If you choose to sell, erase the hard drive first using the methods described above. Take photos of the machine powered on to prove it works. Meet buyers in a public place during daylight. Do not ship expensive items to unknown buyers unless you use a service with buyer protection.
What happens to your computer at a recycling facility
E-waste recyclers disassemble computers and separate materials by type. Metals like copper, aluminum, and gold are extracted and sold to metal refineries. Plastics are sorted and sold to manufacturers. Circuit boards go to specialized processors who recover precious metals. Glass from monitors is crushed and used in new glass products or road base.
Hazardous materials like lead solder, mercury in backlights, and cadmium in batteries are isolated and disposed of according to environmental regulations. This is why e-waste recycling matters—it keeps toxins out of landfills and recovers valuable materials that would otherwise be mined from the earth.
Reputable recyclers are certified by R2 (Responsible Recycling) or e-Stewards. These certifications mean the facility meets environmental and labor standards. If you use a local recycler, ask whether they hold one of these certifications.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I throw a computer in regular trash or curbside recycling?
No. Computers contain toxic metals and are illegal to landfill in most states. Curbside recycling programs do not accept them because they damage sorting equipment and contaminate other recyclables. Use an e-waste program instead.
What if my computer does not turn on?
E-waste recyclers accept broken machines. If you are concerned about data, remove the hard drive yourself with a screwdriver and destroy it with a drill or hammer before dropping off the rest of the computer. Recyclers can also destroy drives, but doing it yourself guarantees the data is gone.
Do I get a tax deduction for donating a computer?
Yes, if you donate to a may have access to nonprofit. Keep a receipt showing the organization's name, the date, and a description of the item. The deduction is based on fair market value, not what you paid. Consult a tax professional about the amount you can claim.
How do I know if my computer is too old to donate?
Most nonprofits want machines from the last 10 years that run a current operating system. If your computer is older than that or cannot run Windows 10, Mac OS 10.13, or later, it is better suited for recycling. Call the organization first rather than assuming.
What if I sell my computer and the buyer says the data was not erased?
This is why you must erase the drive yourself before selling. Use the Windows Reset or Mac Erase tools described above. If you have already sold it, you cannot recover the situation. For future sales, always wipe the drive and keep documentation of what you did.