Recycle Old Computers For Free
Putting old computer hardware in the trash is not a good idea for many reasons. Old computers and monitors contain toxins that can harm the environment when they break down in landfills, including lead, arsenic, cadmium and dioxin. These toxins can leach into soil, waterways and other environmental areas. Additionally, it is important to recycle your computer equipment because it can be used again or recycled into new pieces of technology like laptops and tablets.
Luckily, it is now easier than ever to properly dispose of your unwanted electronic devices. Thanks to recent laws and voluntary initiatives, there are a number of locations where you can drop off your e-waste for free. Some of the most popular places include Staples, Best Buy and Apple. If your laptop or computer is still in working condition, you may want to donate it to a local nonprofit. Organizations like Human-I-T, Computers with Causes and Digitunity use donated free computer recycling near me to provide students and families in need with working devices.
Most major electronics retailers have their own e-waste recycling programs. For example, Best Buy accepts all brands of electronic equipment and offers an in-store trade-in program that provides customers with credit towards a new device. The same goes for Office Depot and Staples. Additionally, most manufacturers have their own e-waste recycling or takeback programs. Some of these programs are free and others have a fee associated with them.
Where Can I Recycle Old Computers For Free?
It is also important to note that you should always wipe your hard drive before donating or recycling your computer for the safety of your personal information. This will ensure that the information stored on your computer does not fall into the wrong hands and could be used for identity theft or other crimes. You can do this at home by using a software tool, or you can bring your device to an electronics repair shop like uBreakiFix(r) by Asurion in Cheektowaga.
There are a number of other places where you can recycle your old computers and electronics, including the Salvation Army or Goodwill, which can put any working devices to good use in the community. Other organizations, like NYC WasteLess, host neighborhood e-waste collection events that allow you to drop off all of your unwanted tech equipment at one location.
Another great option is to use an online material exchange website like Gazelle. This site purchases and sells used electronics, then recycles or refurbishes them for future use. They even offer free shipping and instant payment once they receive your item. The website is easy to navigate and is a safe alternative to throwing your old electronic devices away. However, they do not accept all items for recycling, including alkaline batteries in most states, appliances (except for coffee machines that weigh less than 40 pounds), floor-model printers and copiers, large speakers, medical devices, non-rechargeable lithium batteries and record players, televisions and vaporizers. For a complete list of accepted and rejected items, check out the FAQ page.