Recycle your old computer

By Esther Schindler

Buying a new computer is easy and exciting. But it can be emotionally difficult to part with the old system. You'll be tempted to keep it around "just in case," especially if the equipment works fine, and its replacement is simply a faster model. Stop thinking about how much money it cost back when you purchased it and face it: it's time for the old system to go -- especially because your spouse is shouting, "Why is this old computer still in my garage?!"

Getting rid of your old computer, however, doesn't – and probably shouldn't -- mean filling the trash barrel. Some of the internal materials used in computers (especially batteries and hard disks) are toxic and bad for the local landfill. Here are several options, most of which are good ideas for the environment or for society.

Vendor options

As the computer industry gets more "green," the manufacturers are expending more effort to give consumers (and businesses, though that isn't our focus here) a chance to recycle computer equipment and supplies. Typically, it's free to get rid of supplies such as batteries, but you'll have to pay a small amount -- usually $10 to 30 -- for the vendor to take away a printer or PC.

HP, for example, has a site with instructions on how to recycle computer equipment, printing supplies, and rechargeable batteries. Some of those won't require any effort; the ink cartridge box includes a postage-paid envelope, for example. Or, for a small fee, the company will ship you a box (with prepaid shipping) into which you can stuff your old PC, and HP will dispose of it appropriately. And in some states, such as California, HP has worked with Goodwill stores where they will dispose of it for free. That's better than it sitting around in your garage for the next six months.

Lenovo offers prepaid shipping labels for $30 and will recycle any brand (not just Lenovo). Apple will recycle your old computer (whether Apple or otherwise) for free when you buy a new computer; instructions are available at the Apple store, and FedEx picks up the box from your home.

Sometimes, the manufacturer will refurbish the equipment and give it (or money from its sale) to charities. Microsoft has a program whereby they'll help computers get into the hands of nonprofits, schools and low-income families. The authorized refurbisher has Microsoft's permission to install Windows on each system donated to those charitable organizations, so it's arguably better than donating the computer to the school around the corner.

If you're buying a new computer, be sure to check out any "Recycle" link the company has on its Web site; most firms have had their consciousness raised in this regard.
Although you can turn to the computer manufacturers, it isn't always necessary. For example, the office supply chain Staples has a new program in which customers can easily recycle computers. It joins the company's existing programs for recycling empty ink cartridges and old cell phones. It isn't free; it'll cost you $10 to drop off a desktop, notebook or monitor. But you probably don't need to find a box, to wrestle the equipment into the box, or to wait for the vendor to send the packing material.

Doing good works

While it's cool to send the computer off to a company which will deal with its component parts in an ecologically friendly manner, sometimes you want to be just a little more involved in the equipment's future -- or you want to take credit on your tax return.

The simplest solution is to be personal. If you know a local family of limited means, or your brother is too broke to upgrade his Pentium/100, it can be emotionally rewarding to know that you made a difference. The pragmatic downside to the personal donation is that you're automatically nominated as dedicated tech-support person for that equipment… which might not be such a great idea, considering that you replaced the system for a good reason.

You may also have local organizations that get involved in collecting and recycling old equipment. Those have the advantage of giving you a tax donation, too.

For example, the Phoenix PC User Group near me has worked with the local Easter Seals organization for several years. They collect and fix older computers and distribute them to local charities. Larger companies sometimes invite employees (and non-employees) to bring in older equipment, and those firms arrange for the bigger recycling companies to pick up a truckload. The best choice is simply to ask whichever nonprofit organization you're already involved with; someone there may have a ready answer.

If you're still not sure what to do, there are several organizations that are happy to pick up your equipment, no matter what shape it's in, and to send you a tax receipt identifying its fair market value. For example, the National Cristina Foundation has a Web form in which you describe the equipment (it doesn't need to be much), and whether you can deliver the system or need someone to pick it up.

It takes less than five minutes. I know that for certain, because I recently arranged for an old laser printer to find a happier home than the middle of my hallway, where it languished for three months.

Here are additional resources that can help you find local or national recycling programs:

• Share the Technology
• The Computer Takeback Campaign
• The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

* eRecycle.org