Don't Toss Your Old Computers in the Trash

This is an annoying problem many home computer users and small business face… old computers.

Don't toss your old PC or laptop in there trash as happens thousands a times a day.

First lets talk about what can be done with an old computer:

1. You can throw it away. (Not recommended)
2. You can rebuild or renew it
3. You can donate it
4. You can raid it for parts
5. You can recycle it
6. You can sell it on eBay

We'll start with number 2 as number one is obvious.

Lets rebuild and reuse an old computer.

Often, if a computer is just a few years old, this is the best option.

All you need to update the old PC is some additional memory and a larger hard drive.

If your are one of those folks that still has a computer running windows 2000, you can usually add to a least 1 Gigabyte of new memory and a new 250 Gigabyte hard drive.

This will allow you to upgrade the computer(s) to Windows XP and possibly Vista.

Now if the computer is a bit older and additional memory can't be added and you have a small biz or home office; consider using the computer for a print server, file storage or some other very specific use that doesn't require much computing power.

OK now if you are like most of us the old computer is just taking up space and collecting dust and you just want it gone.

In this case the best option is donating.

Locate a church, school or other community organization that would be more than happy to take it or them off your hands.

However, I have found that when you are donating to these types of organizations you need to donate the system with the monitor, keyboard and the mouse.

And the equipment should also be working.

I always try to help out by fixing them up or find out if they have a volunteer in their organization with some computer skills that would be willing to fix non-working computer systems.

I also raid old computers for parts.

I take out the hard drive, power supply, memory, cables, etc and store them away for emergencies.

Try not to keep too much of this stuff because it is rarely need.

If you have a small business you just don't need 10 extra hard drives when one or two is enough to get you trough an emergency until you can get a new one.

Most of us will actually use the recycling option. 

You can find lots of local recyclers that will take your old computer equipment. There is usually no charge to recycle most equipment if you deliver it to the recycling company yourself.

You may also want to locate a recycler that can shred your hard drive so that all data is completely destroyed.

However, you will almost always be charged for monitors whether you deliver it or they pick it up. I usually pay around 20 to 25 dollars to recycle computer monitors.

And the last option is to sell the computer.

Either put it in your local shopper paper or try Craigslist or eBay. You can even sell it on eBay if it is not working if you describe the condition of the computer accurately.