Options For Laptop Recycling That Keep Your Old Electronics Out Of The Landfill

Posted on: 5 June 2019

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You probably know how important it is to keep computer equipment out of landfills due to heavy metal contamination. What you may not know is what to do with an old laptop you no longer want. There are different options to consider based on whether the laptop still works or not. Here are some ways to recycle your laptop.

Give It Away Or Donate It

Giving a working laptop to someone who can use it is a great way to recycle. Place a free ad on an online classified ads site that you have a free laptop for someone who wants to come and pick it up. Describe the laptop so the person knows the specs and if it works. You may want to arrange the handoff in a public area for safety reasons, but this could still be an easy way to find someone who is happy to use an old laptop. You could also ask your relatives and friends if they want an old laptop since some people only use computers for email, and an old laptop might suffice. Also, consider donating the laptop to a thrift store as long as it still works. Then, all you have to do is take it to the store, which makes it easy to get rid of.

Drop It Off At A Laptop Recycling Center

You can't put a laptop in your regular trash, and your recycling provider probably doesn't want it in their bins either. Instead, look on your sanitation department's website or call them for instructions on how to recycle electronics. You'll probably be directed to a drop-off location somewhere. However, it might be more convenient to drop off your laptop at an electronics store. Call around and find one that has a laptop recycling program. You might find a store close to you that accepts laptops whether they work or not.

Finding a place that accepts old laptops is usually easy to do: it just requires making a few calls or searching online for a drop-off location. Just be sure to wipe your laptop and deauthorize programs before you get rid of it. You can use software to do this so you don't have to worry about someone getting your passwords or stealing your identity. Recycling your laptop is a great way to help protect the environment and keep heavy metals out of the soil. Plus, it's easy to do, and if the laptop is working, you may help someone out by providing them with a free or low-cost device for checking email and staying connected with family.