Help cut down on e-waste by donating your preowned laptop.

If you have gotten a new laptop or other tech gadgets, you might wonder what to do with your old device? Indeed, you have options; you can sell your used laptop, recycle or donate it. When you donate your preowned laptop, you give a chance to somebody else to use it, expanding its life cycle. In addition, you help organizations that accept individual donations for reuse in the local community.

This article shares some tips on donating your laptop and a few organizations you might consider. 

Tips before donating your used laptop

Here’s what to do to get ready to donate your device.

Save your Files

Be sure to back up your files, such as documents, photos, videos, contacts, and other important information. You can make a copy in a physical location, such as your external hard drive to back up your data. Or, you can make a backup file stored in the cloud that you can access anytime with an internet connection. The most known cloud services are Dropbox and Google Drive.

Software Documentation and Accessories

Try to gather all original documents like the user manual, certificate of Authenticity sticker, and other documents that came with the equipment. Also, include the mouse, packaged software, and any other original accessories you have used with the notebook. Schools, nonprofit organizations, and charities can always use these. 

Clear Your Personal Information

Manually deleting your files is not enough to ensure all your sensitive data is out of reach. You’ll still need to factory reset your laptop’s hard drive. We recommend reading our blog post: How to reset a Dell laptop and How to factory reset an Apple laptop for more details on the subject.

Places to Donate your Laptop

Goodwill

It’s a non for profit organization that takes out-of-date workstations and preowned electronics.

You can donate electronics in any condition to Goodwill. They have a partnership with the Dell Reconnect program to help you easily recycle your electronics. With your donations, you are not only helping the environment but your community. So, how to donate your laptop at Goodwill? You only need to drop your electronics at any Goodwill location, free of charge.

These are some examples of devices that Goodwill accepts: 

• Desktop computers
• Laptops, notebooks
• Monitors
• Prints and scanners
• Keyboards, mince
• Xbox and more!

Computers with causes

Computer with causes is a nonprofit organization that offers charitable programs for individuals and corporations to substantially impact the quality of life for many. With your donations, individuals and corporate donors receive a tax deduction.

So what can you donate on Computer with causes? 

You can donate a computer, tablet, or any other gadget by filling out a donation form or phone at (888) 228-7320. Your donation helps the charitable programs they support, provides much-needed educational and vocational assets, and substantially increases resources to support communities.

Botton Line

Before donating your used laptop, make sure to back up your files and collect all original accessories and certificates. Then, proceed to reset your computer to its factory defaults. The next step is to find a place to donate your used electronics gadgets. Nonprofit organizations accept devices in any condition, and your donation is tax-deductible.