Dispose of an Old Laptop
As our computers, tablets and laptops age they become less useful. Instead of sending them to the great motherboard in the sky, you should recycle or donate them. This helps cut down on e-waste and saves valuable resources like plastics and metals that can be reused for other applications.
But first, you need to properly wipe the data off of the device. Our devices store so much of our personal information: photos, videos, important documents and financial records. They also contain passwords and browsing histories. You must wipe this information before donating or recycling the device to prevent it from falling into the wrong hands.
If your laptop disposal is still working and has a functional hard drive, consider saving its data for future use with an external USB caddy. These are available online for about PS12 and convert the hard drive into a USB drive that you can use as an external storage device. You may also be able to reuse the laptop’s CD or DVD drive, depending on whether they are in good condition.
How to Dispose of an Old Laptop
Donating your old laptop to charity is another excellent way to get rid of it while helping out those who can’t afford new devices. Do a local search to find charities that accept donated laptops to refurbish and give to those in need. You can even receive a tax deduction for this donation if you’re eligible for one.
However, before donating your old laptop make sure it’s free of any viruses, malware or spyware. This will protect the charity that’s receiving it from liability for any data breaches or other security problems that might arise as a result of using the donated laptop.
Many electronics retailers have trade-in programs for laptops and other devices, including Apple and Currys. Some manufacturers also have programs to take back their own devices, including laptops. These programs often offer a gift card or discount for the older laptop you turn in, as well as a place to send it for recycling.
Laptops that end up in landfills can leak toxic substances into the surrounding environment. These include barium, lithium, mercury and lead, which can pollute water sources and affect the health of people and animals who come into contact with them. This is especially a concern in developing countries where electronics are rarely recycled.
Laptops and other electronic devices contain mechanical components that cannot go into landfills, but you can recycle them at a computer retailer or at a local electronics recycling center. Some trash tips also have dedicated sections for recycling waste electronics, so you can check in with your local rubbish tip to see what their policy is. You can also safely demolish a laptop’s hard drive to destroy it and ensure that its data is irretrievable. A few satisfying blows with a hammer should do the trick, but you can also use software that overwrites files or physically shred them to make sure they’re unrecoverable.