How Do You Recycle an Old Laptop?
Most computer manufacturers release new laptops every year, which means people can upgrade their current laptop anytime they feel like it’s not working well. However, with the upgrade cycle increasing, more laptops end up in landfills, and it’s doing irreparable damage to the environment. A better alternative is to recycle your old laptop. Fortunately, there are plenty of options for recycling. If you have a laptop less than five years old, you may be able to donate it. Non-profit organizations and schools are often happy to receive older laptops in good working condition. They’ll refurbish the computers for students or volunteer to use. Earth911 is an excellent place to start looking for places to donate your computer. Just enter your zip code and search for organizations that take laptops as donations. And as an alternative, there may be local organizations, churches, or schools thrilled to have a gently used laptop (in complete working condition). You’ll need to find those places through local connections. Older laptops might not be able to be donated and will need to be sent or taken to a recycling center prepared to dispose of the machines properly. Several organizations have recycling programs for laptops (and computer peripherals, cords, and other electronics). Each of these sites offers a program, and for the most part, all you’ll need to do is enter your zip code to find a location near you.
Dell Reconnect: This is a joint program with Goodwill with locations around the US. Call2Recycle: This is a battery recycling program, but some locations listed will also take computers. Consumer Technology Association: This site has a recycling center locator, which shows if there are associated recycling centers in your area. Sustainable Electronics Recycling International: This site can search by zip code and offers lists of R2 certified locations in 33 countries, including the US. Green Citizen: It has a recycling program and a directory of recycling centers searchable by zip code. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): The EPA maintains a list of places you can donate or recycle electronics, including laptops, regardless of your location in the US.
How Do I Prepare My Laptop for Recycling?
When you’re getting rid of a working laptop, back up all your data and make sure you have copies of everything you want to keep. You can either do so manually or use backup software to help you with the process. Depending on how old your laptop is, this could take a little time. Once you’ve backed up all your files, then you’ll want to rewrite your hard drive to remove all your personal data before the laptop leaves your possession. Technically speaking, this is a two-step process. First, wipe your hard drive clean of all your personal data, and then do a complete reinstall of your operating system. Reinstalling Windows is slightly different from reinstalling macOS.
Does Best Buy Take Old Laptops?
Best Buy also offers a recycling program got laptops, computers, televisions, and other electronics. The company will recycle your old electronics for free, but you are limited to three items per household per day. Most items, including laptops, can be dropped off in-store. As a bonus, for some in-demand items, you might be eligible to receive discounts for purchases from Best Buy stores or through the Best Buy website. The company also offers a trade-in program, so before you decide to recycle your laptop, check with Best Buy to see if it has any value. If not, then you can take advantage of their recycling program.
Can I Recycle a Laptop for Money?
Additionally, most computer manufacturers have a trade-in program that could net you credit toward purchasing a shiny new laptop. Apple is well-known for this, but other manufactures may also have similar programs.
