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Recycle your old computer

All Practically Green: 2,783 or so people have DONE this action so far.

All Practically Green: 53 or so people have ADDED this to their action plan so far.

Why is "Recycle your old computer" green?

E-waste, AKA discarded electronics, is one of the largest—and growing—contributors to solid waste today. Computers and all of the doodads that go with them are a major percentage of this e-waste stream.

When your computer is no longer useful to you, don’t trash it. E-waste contains heavy metals that are extremely harmful if they end up in landfills, where they can leach into the ground and water. Some e-waste gets exported and burned—polluting the air and poisoning the workers charged with this unsafe task.

If you don’t know of an organization or a person who might find your old computer useful, recycle it. This will ensure proper handling of the heavy metals and recuperation of precious metals and other reusable resources from the interior.

Recycling also reduces energy use and lowers greenhouse gas emissions. The energy saved by recycling one million laptops could power 3,657 average U.S. homes for a whole year!

How to: Recycle your old computer

There are many ways to recycle a computer. The easiest is to use the manufacturer’s take back program, if they have one. Stores that sell computers also often take old ones back for refurbishing and recycling. E-waste collection centers and drives—organized by a town or an environmental organization—are another good option.

Before you recycle, a few things: you might be able to make some money on your model. Check online. And/or remove the valuable parts to sell on eBay. And don’t forget to make sure you’ve erased all personal information from the memory.

  • EcoSquid
    • (0 Ratings)

    EcoSquid is a web platform that displays and ranks options for trading in, selling, or recycling your old electronics--everything from televisions to iPhones to game consoles.

  • Earth 911
    • (6 Ratings)

    Search Earth 911's extensive database to track down recycling centers near you and learn how best to recycle, well, just about everything!

  • Gazelle
    • (3 Ratings)

    Gazelle provides an easy, fast, and safe way for you to buy, sell and recycle your old electronics--whether you want to sell a cellphone, a laptop, or any other of the more than 250,000 products they accept.

  • GreenerGadgets.org
    • (1 Rating)

    Got a pile of electronics collecting dust? Consult GreenerGadgets' "Recycle Electronics" tool to find a manufacturer, retailer, or certified eCycling location near you where you can recycle or donate used electronics.