how to donate computer

Where can I donate my laptop?

Unless you have a specific charity in mind, recyclers are the best choice for computer donations. However, it's critical to choose carefully. As with many industries, a small group of unscrupulous businesses have sprung up offering recycling services, when in fact, they often dispose of obsolete systems, or send them to computer "chop shops" in third-world countries.

How to securely donate old Windows 10 PCs?

Nov 09, 2020 · How to secure an old Windows 10 PC for donation. Before donating any Windows 10 computer, you want to reinstall a clean copy of Windows 10 using the “remove everything” option. This process ...

Where can you donate computer equipment?

You can donate your old computers and other electronic devices to Goodwill. Goodwill isn’t picky. It usually will take devices in any model, age, or condition. Medic Mobile. This public charity recycles cell phones and tablets in support of its mission to …

Does goodwill take computer?

SCHEDULE A FREE PICKUP TODAY! Your used computers can make a big difference in the lives of America’s Veterans and their families. Just click the Schedule a Pickup button below, choose a date for your donation pickup, leave your clearly labeled donations outside on the day you choose, and our driver will pick up your donation! Not only do your computer donations through Pick Up …

What should you do before donating a computer?

What should I do before donating my device?Back it up. Be sure to back up your documents, photos, and other important information. ... Erase it. Once you've backed up the data you want to save, make sure you've deleted everything on your old device. ... Don't forget about your apps. ... Wipe your hard drive. ... Do a factory reset.Nov 20, 2020

How do I clear my old computer before I donate it?

Prepping Your Computer for DisposalSave important files. Back up your files to an external hard drive or online backup service, or transfer them to a new computer. ... “Wipe” your hard drive clean. ... Uninstall your programs. ... Delete your browsing history. ... Recycle it. ... Trade it in.Mar 8, 2011

Who can I give my old computer to?

Your computer will go on to support causes such as bereaved children, provide support to hospices, empower volunteers to make even more impact, enable veterans to get back on their feet after military service, provide computers for schools, help the homeless and unemployed and much more.

What do I do with my old computer?

So what are your options? You can recycle or donate your computer. Computer manufacturers, electronics stores, and other organizations have computer recycling or donation programs. Check out the Environmental Protection Agency's Electronics Donation and Recycling page to learn about recycling or donating your computer.

What should I remove from my computer before recycling?

Before donating or recycling your computer, you need to completely wipe or remove the hard drives. By doing so, you will ensure that the data on the hard drives will be completely erased and untraceable by data thieves.May 30, 2019

How do I prepare my laptop for recycling?

Step By Step: Laptop Recycling ProcedureSTEP BY STEP: LAPTOP RECYCLING.BACK-UP YOUR DATA.DEACTIVATE ALL REGISTERED PROGRAMS‍DELETE ALL STORED PERSONAL INFORMATION‍WIPE THE HARD DRIVE CLEAN‍RESTORE THE LAPTOP TO ITS ORIGINAL STATE‍Jul 17, 2020

Does removing hard drive remove all data?

If you remove a hard drive from your computer, the data will still be present on the hard drive. However, it will no longer be present in that computer.

How do I remove a hard drive from a laptop?

0:151:37How to Remove a Hard Disk from a Laptop in a Few Minutes - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipArea step 1 flip the laptop over and locate the hard drive screws carefully remove the screws andMoreArea step 1 flip the laptop over and locate the hard drive screws carefully remove the screws and place them somewhere safe.

Are old computers worth anything?

These old computers can contain valuable metals such as gold, copper, and aluminum. While sleek modern laptops do not provide the bounty of precious metals found in the heavier, older units, they can remain profitable, just the same.Oct 17, 2019

How do you wipe a computer clean to sell it?

We've updated this with Windows 11 and Android 12 information....AndroidOpen Settings.Tap System.Tap Reset options.Tap Erase all data and follow the on-screen directions.Jan 31, 2022

How do you erase a hard drive?

How to completely wipe a hard driveStep 1: Back up your hard-drive data. ... Step 2: Don't just delete files from your computer. ... Step 3: Use a program to wipe your drive. ... Step 4: Physically wipe your hard drive. ... Step 5: Do a fresh installation of the operating system. ... DBAN. ... Destroy the hard drive.Feb 17, 2020

What to do if your computer is too old to recycle?

Technology recyclers and refurbishers accept older equipment, assess its potential, and either put it back to work through donations, or break it down and safely dispose of the dangerous materials.

Where to put old computer?

For most of us, the easiest thing to do is to put the old computer system in a closet, the basement or some other out-of-sight, out-of-mind location. There are, however, better solutions, particularly if the computer in question is still operable and less than five years old. Advertisement.

What is TechSoup?

TechSoup provides technology services to nonprofit organizations, including forums, webinars, blogs and access to donated computers . Most computer manufacturers offer recycling services for free, or at minimal cost. Some will even provide shipping labels and instructions on how to send the computer to them.

What happens when your computer has too much processing time?

Whenever your computer has excess processing time, the controlling application runs processes related to the research program. It all happens in the background and only when your computer is on but not in use. Read More. Advertisement.

What is distributed computing?

A growing number of scientific and research organizations are using distributed computing programs that enable you to donate unused processing time on your computer. The idea is to solve extremely large mathematical problems by breaking them into thousands of small pieces.

Can you throw away an old computer?

Landfills are no place for the harmful chemicals, including lead, cadmium, beryllium and mercury, found in virtually all digital equipment. With many other solutions available, there's no reason to simply throw an old computer away. You might find someone else to whom you can give your old computer.

Does Dell recycle?

Some will even provide shipping labels and instructions on how to send the computer to them. Many also accept computers from other manufacturers for a nominal fee. Dell, for example, doesn't charge to recycle any of its products. However, Dell will recycle other systems for a nominal charge when you buy one of its products.

How to donate a computer to charity?

Before donating a computer to charity, back up all your files. Then wipe the internal hard drive to eliminate personal identifying information. Even if a charity says it can do so for you, never rely on the donation center. Do it yourself before donating.

Why do people donate computers to libraries?

Patrons use computers to access library resources. Additionally, individuals who don’t have Internet access at home visit libraries to apply for jobs, send and answer emails, and browse the Web. Thus, your computer donation to a library can help benefit lower-income individuals as well as your greater community.

What is eBay for Charity?

eBay for Charity. If you have newer electronic devices, eBay for Charity allows you to sell them on the site and donate anywhere from 10% to 100% of the profit to your favorite charity. You can create a listing for just about anything on eBay, including any type of electronic equipment.

What do you need for a classroom?

Classrooms are also regularly in need of computer equipment and accessories, such as keyboards, mice, power strips, USB flash drives, and security cables and locks. So if you have any lying around unused, donate them to your local school system too. To donate your devices, contact your local school administrator. 8.

How many people don't have computers?

According to its website, 55 million U.S. households lack access to a computer at home, and tens of millions more don’t have enough computers to share among household members. This technology deficiency results in a lack of access to education, telehealth, and employment.

What is a WCE?

World Computer Exchange (WCE) is an international nonprofit organization that provides donated computers to organizations in developing countries. To accomplish its mission, it partners with 5,000 organizations throughout Africa, Latin America, the Caribbean, Eastern Europe, and the Middle East.

Can you throw used electronics in the trash?

Final Word. Even if your used electronics aren’t in good enough shape for charities to refurbish and reuse, avoid throwing them in the trash. According to Consumer Reports, toxic substances like lithium-ion (li-ion) batteries, mercury, lead, and cadmium fill our old computers, cellphones, and TVs.

How to get to the correct screen?

To get to the proper screen, click or tap the Start Menu button, select Settings and then select Update & Security. Now, select Recover from the left-hand navigation bar and then click the Get Started button to reach Figure A. You will want to select the "remove everything" option.

How long does it take to reinstall Windows 10?

The process of reinstalling Windows 10 and removing all your personal files will take at least a few minutes. Depending on your device, it could also take more than an hour.

What is a sdelete?

SDelete is a command-line utility that you can use to write over unused portions of a hard disk or other storage device with random and meaningless ones and zeros.

What happens when you donate a computer?

When you donate computer you will gain certain tax benefits. All of us are looking for ways to pay less money in taxes. We go the extra mile to guarantee a write-off.

Why do people donate computers?

Why Donate Your Computer? 1 Help Others#N#One of the greatest reasons to donate to charity is to help the less fortunate. If you have been blessed, making a decision to donate to charity can help you give a little back. 2 Make a Difference#N#Our main goal is to provide a refurbished computer from one of our many generous donors towards an educational, needy individual, or future learning program. 3 Fair Market Tax Deduction#N#When you donate computer you will gain certain tax benefits. All of us are looking for ways to pay less money in taxes. We go the extra mile to guarantee a write-off.

Can I deduct my computer donation?

With your Computer donation, you'll receive a tax deductible receipt. IRS Tax Deduction. Donate a Computer and write it off on your taxes! Business donors can deduct the undepreciated value of the computer, and individuals can deduct the current market value of a computer. Help Those in Need.

How to donate a phone?

What should I do before donating my device? 1 Back it up. Be sure to back up your documents, photos, and other important information. Or transfer this data to your new device. This way you won’t lose it. To back up your data, you can make a copy in a physical location, such as on an external hard drive or thumb drive. Or you can make a copy that is stored in the “cloud,” or online, in a secure location. 2 Erase it. Once you’ve backed up the data you want to save, make sure you’ve deleted everything on your old device. This includes your download folder, photos, and the search history on your internet browser. You should clear your browsing history, cookies and site data, and cached files and images. It’s a good idea not to leave anything behind that might give someone access to your personal information. 3 Don’t forget about your apps. Delete all of your apps. This includes deleting app cache and data. 4 Wipe your hard drive. Deleting things like files from your device doesn’t mean they’ve been completely erased. Remember to completely wipe your hard drive as well. 5 Do a factory reset. Follow the device manufacturer’s instructions and do a factory reset, which should eliminate anything left on your device.

What to do if you backed up your data?

Once you’ve backed up the data you want to save, make sure you’ve deleted everything on your old device. This includes your download folder, photos, and the search history on your internet browser. You should clear your browsing history, cookies and site data, and cached files and images.

Why do health workers recycle phones?

Health workers use the recycled phones to help them perform tasks like tracking outbreaks, communicating emergencies, and monitoring medicine stock. If you’re still worried about any personal data being on your old device, Medic Mobile also promises to erase all device data safely and securely.

Is Firefox a trademark?

Firefox is a trademark of Mozilla Foundation. Android, Google Chrome, Google Play and the Google Play logo are trademarks of Google, LLC. Mac, iPhone, iPad, Apple and the Apple logo are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.

What is the World Computer Exchange?

World Computer Exchange: This organization donates computers, funds, and time to a range of global nonprofits, supporting schools and libraries in need. The World Computer Exchange aims to help those in developing countries improve tech literacy, education, and overall Internet savvy. You can donate computers to a chapter near you ...

What is TechSoup?

TechSoup: A nonprofit organization offering free and affordable software, computers, and other equipment to tax-exempt nonprofits, TechSoup does a lot of work with larger businesses. Individuals can donate equipment, too. Donated computers are repaired and then sent to aid organizations and nonprofits around the world.

Who is Dan Marzullo?

Dan Marzullo is a contributing writer for HP® Tech Takes. Dan produces strategic marketing content for startups, digital agencies, and established brands. His work can be found in Forbes, Entrepreneur Magazine, YFS Magazine, and many other media outlets.