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How to Donate, Reuse, or Recycle Your Old Computer

Buying a new computer? Know what to do with the old one?
You don't need to store it in your attic or put it on the curbside. There are many organizations that can find a new home for your computer—or at least recover some of the valuable materials inside—before it reaches the garbage heap.

Donation of Computers to Schools, Charities,
and Nonprofit Organizations
According to Dataquest, a market research firm, less than 5 percent of all personal computers are donated to schools, charities, or nonprofit organizations. It’s possible that this percentage will increase, particularly with Congress introducing tax breaks for the donation of personal computers to schools.

The Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997 states that companies that donate personal computers to schools qualify for an enhanced charitable deduction benefit. The law, introduced by Representative Randy Cunningham (R-California), expands tax incentives for private companies that donate computer technology, equipment, or software to K-12 classrooms. The act took effect January 1, 1998, and applies to computers less than two years old.

An online directory of agencies that facilitate the donation of used computers to schools and community groups is available at the following Web sites: http://www.microweb.com/pepsite/Recycle/recycle_index.aspx
http://www.nonprofit-info.org/npofaq/05/19.html http://www.libertynet.org/share

Reuse
Charitable groups, such as Goodwill Industries, have begun accepting older equipment and refurbishing it for resale to individuals or donation to schools and nonprofit organizations. There are also several retail stores that refurbish older electronic equipment and resell it with a warranty. You may be given a small cash rebate for turning in your old computer. Easter Seal Society of Arizona has a program that places computer systems with children and adults with disabilities.

Recycling
If your older computer isn't worth donating or reusing, you can recycle it. Computer components may contain small amounts of gold, silver, and platinum in the printed wiring boards and connectors. The metal is difficult to separate from the rest of the materials, some of which may be hazardous. Electronics recycling firms, and even some state and local governments, have collection days and may be able to take your equipment—even if no one else will.

If you would like more information about organizations near you that accept computer equipment for donation, reuse, or recycling, please visit our electronic equipment recyclers contact list.