where to donate an old computer

by Adolfo Mayert 4 min read

Where to Donate Used Computers

  1. Goodwill. With more than 3,200 thrift stores around the country, Goodwill Industries is one of the most popular places to donate used goods to.
  2. World Computer Exchange. World Computer Exchange (WCE) is an international nonprofit organization that provides donated computers to organizations in developing countries.
  3. Computers with Causes. ...

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CRC now has three locations in Northern CA. RECONNECT is a comprehensive electronics recovery, reuse and environmentally responsible recycling opportunity for consumers in participating communities. RECONNECT offers FREE drop-off recycling and reuse options for unwanted electronics.

Full Answer

How to securely donate old Windows 10 PCs?

Not only do your computer donations through Pick Up Please support US Veterans, donating also keeps them out of landfills. Instead of throwing out your computers and electronics, donate them so they can be used again. Great Service · Tax Deduction Receipts · Pickups Within 24 Hours in Most Areas Schedule a Pickup

Does goodwill take old computers?

Schools. Public and private K-12 schools may accept donated computers for student or faculty use. They may use them in classrooms, in the library, or in faculty break rooms. Colleges, especially ones that teach computer technical support or computer repair, may accept old computers to use as instructional machines.

Where to find free computers for seniors?

This Goodwill-Dell partnership is a residential computer recycling program that offers easy, convenient and planet-friendly recycling of computer equipment. All you do is simply drop-off items at a participating Goodwill donation center. It’s a 100% free hug for Mother Earth! Learn more. Does my local Goodwill store accept electronics?

How do you recycle a computer?

22 rows · Mar 03, 2022 · Donating or recycling consumer electronics conserves our natural resources and avoids air and water pollution, as well as greenhouse gas emissions that are caused by manufacturing virgin materials. Recycling one million laptops saves the energy equivalent to the electricity used by more than 3,500 US homes in a year.

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What can I do with an old computer?

12 Things To Do With An Old ComputerConvert it to a NAS or Home Server. ... Donate it to a local school. ... Turn it into an experimental box. ... Give it to a relative. ... Dedicate it to 'Distributed Computing' ... Use it as a dedicated game server. ... Use it for old-school gaming. ... Make it a Secondary Computing Server.More items...•Mar 26, 2019

How can I donate my computer safely?

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 you do before donating an old computer to your favorite charity?

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 wipe my computer before donating?

Go to Settings > Update & Security > Recovery > Reset this PC > Get Started > Remove everything > Remove files and clean the drive.Apr 21, 2018

How do I wipe my old computer before recycling?

Simply go to the Start Menu and click on Settings. Navigate to Update & Security, and look for the recovery menu. From there you just select Reset this PC and follow the instructions from there. It may ask you to erase data either “quickly” or “thoroughly” — we suggest taking the time to do the latter.Dec 4, 2020

Is my laptop too old to donate?

Can you donate old laptops? You can donate old laptops and PCs. You may think they are too old to use, but it's worth asking. If they're usable, then they can be collected directly from your home or work at no cost to you.Oct 25, 2019

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 you remove the hard drive from a laptop computer?

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.

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.

What is the National Center for Electronics Recycling?

The National Center for Electronics Recycling (NCER) is a nonprofit organization formed in 2005 dedicated to the development and enhancement of a national infrastructure for the recycling of used electronics in the United States.

What is the World Computer Exchange?

The World Computer Exchange works closely with more than 945 partner organizations, a consortium of 23 strategic allies, and a number of informal allies throughout A frica, Asia, Latin America, the Caribbean, Eastern Europe, and the Middle East. This organization accepts working items only, including Intel dual core and quad core desktop ...

How does TechSoup work?

TechSoup works with equipment and software providers for large-scale donations of 50 or more computers through its Refurbished Computer Initiative. For smaller donations, they suggest searching for a local Microsoft Registered Refurbisher to donate your IT products. 3.

Who is Lahle Wolfe?

Lahle Wolfe wrote about women in business for The Balance Small Business. She has more than 25 years of experience in small business development and ran her own digital marketing firm.

What is the National Cristina Foundation?

The National Cristina Foundation (NCF) can help you match office equipment and computers with nonprofit organizations. NCF focuses exclusively on helping education-related nonprofits, including schools and public agencies that use technology to train disabled individuals. They also support nonprofits and agencies that help train economically disadvantaged individuals.

Is Freecycle a nonprofit?

The Freecycle Network is a nonprofit organization, but you won't get a tax receipt for donating items through their listserv. You can feel good, however, knowing that you're helping the environment by recycling your unwanted items.

Is Freecycle free?

Joining Freecycle is free, too. Visit their website and locate the list that serves your geographic area. Be sure to read Freecycle’s rules about posting because the lists are moderated and anyone who abuses their list privileges will be banned. Freecycle isn't limited to electronics.

Where is PCs for People located?

PCs for People. This organization, located in Colorado, Minnesota, and Ohio, provides electronic recycling services for business. As a 501c3 non-profit organization, your business can receive a tax donation receipt for sending equipment such as computers, laptops and other electronic equipment to PCs for People.

What is donation town?

Donation Town is an organization that facilitates in-kind donations of a variety of items to charities around the country. You simply go to the website, enter your zip code, and a list will be provided of charities local to you that need donations. Many of these charities will take working computer equipment. Donation Town works with many national charities with local offices such as the Salvation Army, Goodwill, Big Brothers Big Sisters and Habitat for Humanity and in certain cities even arranges for donation pickups for these charities.

What is the World Computer Exchange?

The World Computer Exchange takes donated computers to refurbish and load education content. The computers are then used in their Inspire Girls and School Refurbishing Clubs projects to provide education to needy children in 79 developing countries.

What do disaster relief organizations do?

Organizations that provide disaster relief often work with people who have lost their homes to hur ricanes, earthquakes, tornadoes, fires, and other misfortunes. Some of these types of organizations accept donations of goods that can help affected people begin to rebuild their lives.

Does Goodwill take used computers?

Your local Goodwill store will happily take used computers and electronic equipment if it's in good working condition. They also will clear all the data from your hard drive for you. All the funds raised from Goodwill Industries thrift store sales, including your equipment, go to their programs helping train people for new jobs and careers. There are more than 3,300 Goodwill stores in North America.

Is it a good idea to donate old computers?

Donating old computers is a great way to support a nonprofit organization in your community. It's also an environmentally responsible alternative to sending electronic equipment that you no longer have a use for to a landfill. There are also financial benefits, since donations of equipment to recognized 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organizations are tax deductible. Remember when you donate your computers to make sure that you have cleared all of your private information and data from the hard drives. Many organizations offer to do this for you as well, so it's important to ask before you finalize your donation.

Do senior citizens have computers?

Many senior citizen centers and assisted living facilities offer computer training for members or have computer labs for members to to surf the Internet, check email, and perform other tasks may accept donated machines.

Why is electronics donation important?

Electronics donation and recycling is a great way to help conserve resources and natural materials. It is important to make sure you are donating and/or recycling electronics safely and correctly.

How to recycle electronics?

Before Donating or Recycling Your Used Electronics 1 For your computer or laptop, consider upgrading the hardware or software instead of buying a brand new product. 2 Delete all personal information from your electronics. 3 Remove any batteries from your electronics, they may need to be recycled separately. 4 Check for recycling facilities Exit in your state or community.

What are electronic products made of?

Electronic products are made from valuable resources and materials, including metals, plastics, and glass, all of which require energy to mine and manufacture. Donating or recycling consumer electronics conserves our natural resources and avoids air and water pollution, as well as greenhouse gas emissions that are caused by manufacturing virgin ...

What is computer recycling?

A computer recycler is a business or organization that salvages useful computer parts before breaking down what's left, safely removing hazardous materials in the process.

How long does a computer last?

If your computer is less than five years old, chances are it can be put to good use by someone else. Usually, the lifespan of a computer is seven to eight years. Extending the computer's lifespan through reuse provides the highest environmental benefit of all electronics disposal alternatives.

What is TechSoup's mission?

TechSoup has a long history of working with Microsoft, the EPA, the Electronics TakeBack Coalition, and other organizations to improve the environment and bridge the digital divide by helping consumers properly donate or recycle computer equipment.

How much of the energy used in a computer is consumed?

Seventy-five percent of the fossil fuels and energy used by a computer are actually consumed during manufacturing. Extending the computer's lifespan through reuse means more return on that initial environmental cost.

Can you deduct the value of a computer?

Business donors can deduct the undepreciated value of a computer, and individuals can deduct the current market value of a computer. To determine the fair market value of a computer, use an evaluator tool like the free Sage BlueBook.

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