There are multiple ways to get rid of an old computer, from donating to trading it in. This guide will show you some common and safe alternatives to throwing one away.

Can I Throw Away an Old Desktop Computer?

You should not (and in some cases cannot) throw away old computers for two main reasons.

• Many computer components contain heavy metals which are hazardous to the environment.
• The storage unit (HD or SSD) may have private information that should be handled correctly, or it could fall into the wrong hands.

The Best Ways to Get Rid of Old Computers

Below are two options we recommend for disposing of a computer that doesn’t involve just tossing it in the trash. You can either donate it so that someone else can find use in it, or trade it in for some cash, assuming it’s still got some life in it.

Donate to Your Local Goodwill

One option for getting rid of an old computer is to donate it to a charity like Goodwill.

1. Goodwill has partnered up with Dell to provide a widespread computer recycling service. First, go to Dell’s How to Recycle page.

2. Scroll down and select which recycling service you will need. This guide will select Home or home office.
   

3. On the next selections, choose PCs and laptops.

4. Select Donate to donate to Dell Reconnect.

5. Scroll down and select Find a Drop Off Location.

6. In the next window, type in your zip code and select the search radius to locate participating Goodwill locations.

Trade-in Through Best Buy

Depending on what model computer you have, it might be worth checking to see if you can trade your old computer in through a retail program like Best Buy offers. Trade-ins get you a little cash toward a new machine.

1. On the Best Buy Trade-in website, select what type of computer you wish to trade in. As an example, this guide will choose a laptop.

2. Select the brand of computer. In this example, Alienware will be chosen.

3. Continue filling out the form by choosing the model family, color, processor brand, etc.

4. Give a rating on your computer’s condition, then select if the battery or power adapter is included. The more you have, the more trade-in value you’ll receive.

5. Best Buy will give you the estimated trade-in value, then select Add To Your Basket.

6. In the next window, you will be given an several options: to add another computer, mail it in, or trade at a nearby store.

7. If you choose to mail it in, you will have to fill out your shipping information. Once done, click Submit.

8. Clicking Submit will convert the information into a shipping label that you can attach to the mail-in package.

9. Once Best Buy has received and verified the computer, an eGift Card will be emailed to you.

10. If you selected Trade-In at Store, you will have to enter your contact information.

11. In the next window, click Find a Store and locate the nearest location where you can trade-in person.

What Do You Do With an Old Computer That Doesn’t Work?

The best thing to do with broken computers is either sell them for parts online or bring them to a recycling program. Most trade-in or donation programs won’t accept broken computers, but some allow people to recycle their old machines.

There are recycling services throughout the country, which you can find by searching on websites like the Consumer Technology Association or by searching for the nearest recycling plant. If you wish to make some money from old computers, various online companies will buy your device even if it’s broken.