So you’ve decided to upgrade to a new laptop and don’t know what to do with your old one. Depending on its age, you could resell it, trade it in, or give it away to a friend or family member. Or you might want to keep it and use it as a backup or a secondary device if the laptop is still working.

But what if it’s not in good enough condition to sell or trade it in? In that case, you could always recycle it. This blog post will explain recycling an old laptop and what to expect from the process. 

Sell Your Laptop if It’s Still Working

The first thing you need to do is figure out if your old laptop is usable or not. If it’s on its last legs, don’t try recycling it – you’ll just end up with a pile of e-waste. But if it’s still in decent condition, you can do a few things to give it a new lease on life.

However, if your outdated gizmo is still up and running, you could sell it on Gadget Salvation. This is an easy way to recycle your old laptop. We offer free shipping labels and pay top dollar for preowned electronics. We buy laptops in any condition, so you can be sure to get a fair price.

Make sure to follow these steps before selling your old laptop:

• Wipe down the screen and body with a disinfectant wipe.
• Gather all the cords and accessories that came with the laptop. This includes the power cord, any USB cords, the user manual, and the original packaging (if you still have it).
• Make sure all the ports and cords are working and included.
• Remove any stickers or stickers residue.
• Wipe the hard drive clean. This is important. The last thing you want is for someone to get their hands on your confidential information. You can use a software program like DBAN to do this. 
• Use a software program to overwrite all the data on your hard drive with random characters. This makes it impossible to recover any of the data that was on there before. 
• Pack everything securely in a box or bag. Ship it off!

How to Recycle an Old Laptop?

If your old laptop is not working, don’t throw it in the dumpster! E-waste is a big environmental problem; if you just toss your old device in the trash, it will only contribute to the problem.

Find a recycling center near you that accepts electronics. Many cities have e-waste recycling centers where you can drop off old laptops, cell phones, and other electronics. 

1. Check with your city or county government website to see if they offer e-waste recycling services. 
2. Search for “electronics recycling near me” online. Many private companies offer electronic recycling services as well. 
3. Call local charities to see if they accept donated laptops. Some organizations refurbish old laptops and donate them to needy people, which is a great way to give back!
4. If you can’t find a local recycling option, plenty of national companies will recycle your laptop for you. Everything from Best Buy to Staples offers electronic recycling programs, so you shouldn’t have any trouble finding a company that will take your old laptop off your hands. 
5. You could also recycle it through a licensed recycler like Greener Gadgets. They’ll take your old laptop and recycle the parts safely and securely.
6. You could try Freecycle if you didn’t find a local recycling option. This is a website where you can post items that you want to give away for free, and people in your area can respond if they’re interested. It’s a great way to eliminate old electronics without sending them to landfill.

Donate Your Old Laptop

Another way to recycle an old laptop is to donate it to a charity or nonprofit organization that accepts used devices. First, use Google to find a charity organization that accepts used laptops. Many organizations accept these donations, so take your time to find one close to you. Once you have found an organization, contact them and ask what the process is for donating a laptop.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below you’ll find answers to the most frequently asked questions about how to recycle an old laptop.

Can an entire laptop be recycled?

Yes, an entire laptop can be recycled. Most recycling centers accept laptops, and many private companies offer electronic recycling services.

Should I remove the hard drive before recycling a laptop?

Removing the hard drive is essential if you want to ensure no one can access your confidential information. You can use a software program like DBAN to wipe the drive clean.

What parts of a laptop are worth money?

The following parts of a computer are worth money when recycled: the hard drive, the motherboard, the CPU, and the memory.

Can I throw my old laptop in the dumpster?

No, you should not just throw your old laptop in the dumpster. E-waste is a significant environmental problem; if you just toss your old device in the trash, it will only contribute to the problem. Instead, find a recycling center near you that accepts electronics, and check with your city or county government website to see if they offer e-waste recycling services.

Conclusion

Recycling your old laptop is easy and good for the environment—not to mention your wallet! Following these simple steps, you can clear out some space in your home and help reduce e-waste in landfills. So next time you’re ready to upgrade to a newer model, don’t forget to recycle your old one!