Discarding old Computer

[JRH]

Where do people discard old computers? I have an old Dell W95 that I need to get rid of the CPU and do not think it is proper to put it in the trash can.
What do you advise?
Thanks
JRH

[Java_Bob]

Around here the county does recycle 2-3 time a year.

[dkpbxman]

Being a very inquisitive person (nosy) when I got a new computer, I opened up and took apart the old one. Then I would put it back together, plug it in and see if it worked.

Each time I would go further and be more intrusive. I kept going until I broke it (I shorted something on the video card). Oh well.

I plan on using the old Hard Drive as an "external" for the new computer after making some kind of enclosure out of a piece of Tupperware or something. All I need is the right cable. (Amazon has one.)

[sam999]

You can get an adapter/enclosure really cheap for your old drive and save your Tupperware for leftovers.

Dell has a recycling program and when you bought the new PC you actually paid a recycling fee on it.

So I'd contact Dell and ask them to handle disposal of the old PC (after you remove the hard disk with your personal stuff on it).

[vikram1248]

best ways to discard old computers

Bring it to your local hazardous waste disposal site - check with your county. This is likely to cost you a bit of money ($30-40?) but it's the right thing to do. Please don't just toss it in the trash; there are all sorts of heavy metals and stuff in there.

Also if it's not really old you could consider offering it to a school, women's shelter, church, or other non-profit. Please only do this if the computer is still usable and not completely outdated - you don't want to passing the problem on to someone else! (Easy translation, if it didn't originally come with XP then don't bother!) DO NOT just drop it off - talk to somebody, give them the specs and let them decide.

[robj6767]

Everywhere has some sort of electronics disposal program, just google one for your area

[Lynn_A]

If the computer still runs, check for a Linux Users Group in your area. A lot of older computers strain to keep up with the latest and greatest Microsoft has to offer but will run quite well with a Linux distro.

Another option is to check for a smaller computer repair shop in your area. They might be willing to take the box off your hands, if it is still salvageable.

[adnadeau]

Check with your local Goodwill Industries store. Here in New England you can drop it off there and get a receipt for a tax deduction. Erase your hard drive first. Goodwill recycles computers in collaboration with Dell.

[Drywall DIY Guy]

Find a reputable recycling drop-off. A disreputable recycler may end up feeding the far-east computer component reclamation industry using cheap labor in toxic conditions, which you don't want to do.

[RustySheriff]

I know Goodwill will take it. I don't know what they do with them but I have brought several to them and they all took them. Run DBAN on your computer before getting ride of it.

[knowitall]

If you are near a Best Buy or a Frys, heck even most tech stores will recycle your computer and computer parts. Except hard drives.

[mathewl]

You can just talk to dell about their recycling program.

[LarryHome]

You can get an adapter/enclosure really cheap for your old drive and save your Tupperware for leftovers.

Dell has a recycling program and when you bought the new PC you actually paid a recycling fee on it.

So I'd contact Dell and ask them to handle disposal of the old PC (after you remove the hard disk with your personal stuff on it).

This is very good advice! For those who don't use dell there are many other companies out there who gladly take your old unwanted computer from you, and some will even pay you for it. The parts are technological and can still be of some use in other areas of technological development so they can still be of some value. A quick search on the net and you will find many companies who will either buy or recycle your computer for you. I would make sure that your hard drive memory and history have been completely erased first though, because there are some very clever and tricky people out there who can still access your personal information stored in the virtual part of the computer's hard drive. See a PC specialist if this applies to you.