How to Prepare Your Computer for Recycling

If you’re going to recycle your computer, first completely wipe your data off the hard drive. There are free utility programs that you can download and use. These utilities will have instructions for removing the right files so you don’t hurt the hard drive. Make sure you wipe pictures, financial data, any files related to a home business, and other personal data. Even those old emails can be retrieved with a disk recovery utility.

Clean out your browser’s cache, cookies, history, messages, trash folder and all non-transferable software.

You can find freeware to use at Heidi Computers.

If you have a pre-installed Microsoft operating system the license is only good with the original machine it was in. So if you’re going to donate your computer to a charitable organization remember that usually they can’t afford to buy a license. You’ll need to make legal transfer. That keeps the computer and operating system together. The donation is tax deductible. Also bring manuals for the computer.

If you’re going to send your old computer to the manufacturer to recycle you’ll want to contact them to get the packaging instructions.

The Federal Electronics Challenge lists different types of recycling facilities for you to choose from: collection/hauler, repair shop, electronic de-manufacturer and private asset recovery operations.

Each of the above facilities recycles old electronics differently. You can peruse the list for details at The Federal Electronics Challenge Site, which can help you decide, which type to use.

If you’re recycling by donating, you can help the recycler by untangling all cords and cables, and attaching power adapters to their associated equipment.