The Tekblog

Often I am asked what people do with their old, unwanted computers and computer equipment. Unfortunately most people just chuck them in the trash can. Computers are filled with lead-based solder that can be harmful to ground water, as well as numerous plastic and silicon parts that aren’t biodegradable. According to the EPA, consumer electronics may be at fault for 40 percent of the lead found in landfills. The fact is that computers, despite their much smaller size, are actually much more toxic to the environment than an old car, which tends to be mostly scrap metal.

When considering what to do with old machines that have been laying around, first consider the information contained in that system. You probably want to have a professional securely wipe the information.

Your first option is to donate your PCs to a local school, or non-profit organization. Several are set up across the country to rescue old computer equipment and give them new life in classrooms in need of computers. Recycles.org and DigitalAid are two organizations that accept computer equipment and distribute them to schools and non-profit groups. For something local in Hampton Roads I suggest The Arc of the Virginia Peninsula located in Hampton. For a small fee they can dispose of and wipe the data from your machines. Machines worthy of being re-purposed will be. It ends up being about $10 for your average desktop computer.

Most of the larger computer manufacturers are offering businesses a way to discard their computers without harming the environment. Most notably at Hewlett-Packard and Dell, programs have been set up to recover key components for recycling and prepare the equipment for proper disposal. HP and Dell go through computers’ for chips and other parts that can be re-used, melted down to make new parts, or otherwise recycled.

In this day and age with everyone concerned about being green, donating or recycling your computer is a great option!