where to donate old computer parts

by Dr. Lynn Reilly DVM 10 min read

  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. The nonprofit organization Computers with Causes repairs, refurbishes, or otherwise gets your donation working.
  4. The National Cristina Foundation. Like Computers with Causes, the National Cristina Foundation links donated computers to various causes in need.
  5. Digitunity. The mission of the nonprofit organization Digitunity is to create digital equity by providing computers to device-deficient households across America.
  6. Human-I-T. Human-I-T has a dual mission: to eliminate e-waste and to help Americans who lack a computer in the home gain access to much-needed technology.
  7. Your Local School System. Donations of computers and computer equipment are always appreciated and desperately needed by schools.
  8. Your Local Library. Like schools, local libraries also have a constant need for technology. Patrons use computers to access library resources.

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Full Answer

Where can you donate old computer equipment?

Sep 22, 2021 · Visit the Give Computers page on its website to see the complete list of accepted devices. To donate, check the website to find a chapter of WCE near you. You can contact the chapter to schedule a delivery time. If there’s no chapter in your area, you can mail your donation to the Boston chapter at: World Computer Exchange 936 Nantasket Ave.

Where can I donate an old laptop?

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 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

Where can you donate computer equipment?

Jan 02, 2013 · We've run down five easy places to recycle your old computers and computer parts, and those suggestions should still hold true. Your individual city may have other options and locations, too, so...

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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

Where can I donate old computers UK?

Computers 4 charity is a registered UK technology charity. We securely and safely refurbish your unwanted or redundant laptops, computers or old IT equipment and donate it to charity causes.

What is the most appropriate way to dispose of an 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 can you do with old computers?

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

Will charity have my old computer?

Community groups and local initiatives across the UK are asking people to donate their old laptops, computers and other electronic items. They fix and upgrade these devices and distribute them to locals in need, sometimes in partnership with a local small charity. This work is vital.

Do Currys take old laptops?

If you've got old tech you don't want, you can recycle it responsibly with Currys. If you're already visiting one of our stores for something else, just bring your unwanted tech along and we'll dispose of it for you.Dec 22, 2021

How do you destroy a hard drive before recycling?

If you don't, the information will be lost and irretrievable.STEP 1: Remove the hard drive from your computer. ... STEP 2: Access the hard drive's platters and circuit board. ... STEP 3: Remove the read/write arm, and scratch the platters with a screwdriver to destroy data. ... STEP 4: Break the circuit board.More items...•Aug 6, 2021

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 a hard drive from a desktop computer?

0:141:13How to Remove the Hard Drive From an Old Computer Tower - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWhen we remove the two screws. The side cover will then slide off the computer. Once we have theMoreWhen we remove the two screws. The side cover will then slide off the computer. Once we have the side cover off we'll identify where the hard drive is inside the unit.

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

Does Best Buy recycle electronics?

You can drop off old electronics for recycling at any Best Buy store, and our trade-in program provides gift cards for items that still have value. You can also use our haul-away program when you buy new TVs, appliances or fitness equipment.Nov 13, 2020

What are the old computers called?

microcomputersEarly personal computers – generally called microcomputers – were sold often in electronic kit form and in limited numbers, and were of interest mostly to hobbyists and technicians.

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.

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.

Repurpose the Parts On Their Own

Some parts can be repurposed on their own. For example, you can easily turn an old hard drive into an external hard drive with a simple enclosure, or turn a DVD drive into an external DVD drive.

Turn Them Into Fun DIY Projects

This one may not be particularly useful, but if you have a lot of parts lying around and want something fun to do, you could always turn them into a fun computer-themed DIY project.

Try and Sell Them

You may not have use for an old Intel Pentium 4 and an AGP graphics card, but someone else might. If you can't think of anything to do with them at home, put them up on Craigslist or eBay and see if you can make a few bucks. You can either put them up as single parts or build them into a few computers and sell them that way.

Recycle Them

If all else fails and you just want to get rid of those old parts, don't throw them in the trash. Those parts could have harmful metals in them you don't want rotting away in a landfill. We've run down five easy places to recycle your old computers and computer parts, and those suggestions should still hold true.

DISCUSSION

My old computer is pretty noisy. If I just want to turn it into a torrent box can I strip out the fans, ditch the graphics card, and just open up the case for ventilation? Or would I run into over heating issues?

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 do you need to know before selling computer parts?

Before you sell computer parts, you need to be sure that you’re doing everything in your power to protect yourself and your assets. Security should always be your first priority.

How long does Nextworth take to reimburse?

Nextworth. Nextworth takes around 10-15 business days to reimburse you, and they also give check, PayPal, and Target gift card reimbursement options. You can take your computer parts to a target to trade them in, though that option forces you to be reimbursed by target gift card.

What are the downsides of selling on eBay?

But one of the biggest downsides to selling on eBay is its multiple levels of fees. eBay charges “insertion fees” for every computer part you list. While there are a set number of insertions credited to users before fees, up to 50 or more per month, for sellers moving bulk components that’ll quickly run out.

How long does it take for Gazelle to pay?

Gazelle pays within seven days and offers the choice of an Amazon.com gift card, direct PayPal, or check reimbursement options. The system is quite simple like with Amazon and Best Buy, though with Gazelle you at least have different payment options.

What is the marketplace on Facebook?

3. Facebook Marketplace. While on the surface, Facebook Marketplace is still a fairly unregulated market, there is quite a bit of transparency with transactions since you’re dealing with somebody’s personal account. This platform is for local deals using cash, check, or paypal typically.

Is it hard to navigate the IT market?

For the most part, the IT market is incredibly difficult to navigate casually. It can be difficult to truly know the ins and outs. In many cases, relying on an IT asset disposition vendor will ease this process significantly. While IT resellers will take a fee, they will typically increase returns enough to cover the cost of the service while they handle all the hassle of finding solid buyers for your equipment.

What to do before recycling a computer?

Before you can take your computer to be recycled, you will want to be sure you have secured all of your personal information and removed all of the data. Backup your Computer-save onto a portable storage device such as an external hard drive or USB.

How many computers were recycled in 2010?

alone. In that year, those same consumers disposed of 423,000 tons of computers. And only 40% of those computers were actually recycled. The rest of them ended up in landfills.

What is e-waste?

E-waste includes anything with a power cord or battery. Electronic waste contains hazardous elements that are harmful to our environment. While e-waste makes up 2% of our landfill waste, it is 70% of our toxic waste, making it vital that we responsibly dispose of our old computers. We will cover some of the most convenient ...

How does recycling help?

In addition, by recycling you can also help to create new jobs. According to a study done by the Institute for Self-Reliance, for every 10 thousand tons of reused materials, 296 jobs are created.

Can you encrypt your files?

Encrypt All your Files-sometimes wiping or deleting is not enough , so encryption is a great defense. Physically Damage your Hard Drive-if you are still very concerned or not convinced on the security of your data, you can physically drill some holes through or smash your hard drives.

What is the lead in a computer?

Computer circuit boards may contain cadmium, mercury, chromium, and lead! The average monitor can contain anywhere from 1.5 to 8 pounds of lead. Circuit boards contain lead, as well.

Does staples recycle computers?

Staples technology recycling program accepts any computer regardless of the brand or where it was bought. Simply drop off your items at the front desk for free recycling, including monitors.

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