Well, it’s a sad day in the Aamoth household: I’m thinking of getting rid of the 15-year-old Asus netbook that’s been collecting dust in the corner of my office.
It’s sitting atop the Vizio laptop I bought in 2012. Yes: Vizio, the TV company. They made laptops for a hot minute. I’ve got dozens of other relics stacked atop each other as well. I can safely say I’ll never use them again.
Don’t be like me. Holding on to outdated computers, forgotten MP3 players, or Obama-era smartphones isn’t just about accumulating junk. These devices often contain valuable materials that can be recycled, and their improper disposal can harm the environment.
So, as you embark on your own spring cleaning spree, consider these excellent online resources to help you give away or recycle your old computers, gadgets, and other outdated tech responsibly.
Facebook Marketplace: easy, local gifting
They say one person’s trash is another person’s treasure. And you’re not even giving away trash—you’ve got gadgets!
Facebook Marketplace can be a great place to buy stuff nearby, but its “Free Stuff” section is an even better way to get rid of things you don’t need anymore but aren’t sure have any real monetary value.
Simply snap a few photos, write a brief description of the item and its condition, and select the “Free” option.
People in your area who are looking for items will see your post and can message you directly to arrange pickup. It’s a convenient way to quickly rehome items and clear out space without much hassle.
Best Buy: convenient, (mostly) free recycling
Sometimes, your tech is just too old, broken, or niche to be useful to someone else. In these cases, responsible recycling can be a frustrating ordeal.
Tech retailing kingpin Best Buy offers a comprehensive in-store recycling program for a wide range of electronics, regardless of where you bought them. Most items can be recycled for free, and you can drop off up to three items per day.
There’s even a mail-in service if you don’t have a Best Buy location nearby. It’s not free, but it sure is convenient: Boxes run $23 to $30 and include a UPS label, tape, and instructions.
Earth911: local recycling hub
For a comprehensive guide to local recycling options, Earth911 is an invaluable resource. This website provides a searchable database of recycling centers across the United States. You can input the type of item you want to recycle (e.g., “computers,” “cellphones”) and your zip code, and it will generate a list of nearby facilities that accept those materials.
The site also has a ton of helpful content about recycling, upcycling, and other sustainability topics.
A few helpful tips
Here are some things to consider before giving away or recycling your old technology.
Back up your data: Before you do anything else, ensure all your personal data is backed up to an external hard drive or cloud service.
Wipe your device(s): If possible, perform a factory reset to completely eradicate all personal information from your devices.
Check your item’s condition: If you’re giving something away, make sure it’s in working order and clean, or be very clear in your listing that it’s for repair or parts only.
