These are the reasons that we should find the appropriate way to discard old computers:
* According to the U.S. EPA, nearly 250 million computers will become obsolete in the next five years. In 2001, only 11 percent of personal computers retired in the U.S. were recycled.
* Each computer dumped in a landfill is a missed opportunity to provide Information Age tools for people to cross the digital divide.
* To reuse a old computer is more environmental friendly than to manufacture a new computer.
Tips for donating computers
Donate old computer to a refurbisher or recycler, rather than to the schools and nonprofits directly.
- Out-of-date computer systems can be more a burden than a blessing to the schools and nonprofits; as it is very costly for them to bring a old computer up to today's standards.
Determine if your old computer can be reused.
- It is okay to donate a “slow” computer or a computer with minor glitch. If it is less than seven years old, chances are that it can be upgraded and put to good use by someone else. If your computer is more than seven years old, consider to send it to a commercial recycler.
Recycle any broken computers.
- Any computers that could not turn on should be recycled. Most recyclers are businesses or organizations that can remove useful parts and then break down the rest of the materials, as we do with bottles and cans. They also remove hazardous materials safely.
Note: Some of these organizations may charge a fee to accept computers for recycling -- especially computer monitors.
Contact the refurbisher or recycler before donating.
- Call the organization or check for details on its Web site to ensure that it accepts the computer that you plan to give away.
Many recycling and refurbishing organizations also have specific locations where a PC can be donated, while others have delivery instructions they expect donors to follow.
Donate the accessories too.
- If you can, include the keyboard, mouse, printer, modem, speakers, or any other accessories.
Keep the proof of the operating system intact if possible.
- Microsoft XP operating system can only be reinstalled on the computers that had XP.
Clean your computer of personal information by yourself.
- Best to use a disk wiping utility that overwrites whole hard drive so that no data is recoverable.
Keep a record of what you donated.
- You are eligible for a tax donation if you donate to a nonprofit refurbisher. Most school or nonprofit refurbishers can provide a tax receipt upon request. The tax laws pertaining to this are Section 170 of the Federal Income Tax Code, the New Millennium Classrooms Act, and the 21st Century Classrooms Act.
Note: Individuals can deduct the current market value of donated computer on their tax returns.
To determine the fair market value of a computer
- Go to the Computers for Schools Canada for free computer "valuator".
Plan for future donations.
- Do not put away any unused computer in storage or basement. Most people will not use their old computer again. Donate it as soon as you brought a new computer.
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