Can I Recycle My Old Computer?

If you have an old computer collecting dust in a closet, garage, or basement, you may be wondering: Can I recycle my old computer? In most cases, the answer is yes. Computers and many other household electronics can be recycled through specialized electronics recycling  and e-waste recycling programs.

Instead of throwing an outdated computer, cell phone, television, or other electronic device in the trash, recycling can help keep potentially valuable materials out of landfills and put them back into use.

Why Should I Recycle My Old Computer?

Computers contain a variety of materials, including plastics, glass, aluminum, copper, and other metals. They also contain electronic components such as circuit boards, wiring, and batteries.

When electronics are improperly discarded, these materials can be difficult to recover. Some electronic devices may also contain substances that require specialized handling.

E-waste, or electronic waste, includes unwanted electrical and electronic devices. Common examples include:

• Desktop computers and laptops
• Computer monitors
• Cell phones and smartphones
• Tablets and e-readers
• Televisions
• Printers and scanners
• Keyboards and computer mice
• Routers and other networking equipment
• DVD and Blu-ray players
• Video game consoles
• Speakers and other audio equipment
• Cords, cables, and chargers
• Circuit boards and electronic components
• Small household appliances with electronic components

Recycling these items allows useful materials to be recovered rather than simply discarded.

What Parts of a Computer Can I Recycle?

An old computer is made up of many different components, and several of them can be recovered through the recycling process.

• Circuit boards: Circuit boards contain valuable metals and other materials. Specialized recyclers can process them to recover usable resources.

• Computer cases: Depending on the material, the metal or plastic housing may be recyclable.

• Cables and wires: Computer cords and wiring can contain copper and other recoverable materials.

• Hard drives: Hard drives contain electronic and metal components, but they may also contain sensitive personal information. Make sure your data is securely erased before recycling a computer.

• Batteries: Laptops and other portable electronics often contain rechargeable batteries that require special recycling or handling. Do not put loose lithium-ion batteries in your household trash.

• Monitors: Older monitors and newer flat-panel displays require specialized recycling processes. Because different display technologies contain different materials, they should be handled by an appropriate electronics recycler.

What Should I Do Before I Recycle a Computer?

Before going to recycle an old computer, take a few precautions:

1. Back up important files. Transfer photos, documents, and other information you want to keep.

2. Erase personal data. Use a secure data-erasure process or have the recycling service explain its data-destruction procedures.

3. Sign out of accounts. Remove the computer from cloud services and other accounts when appropriate.

4. Remove accessories. Separate items such as USB drives, memory cards, and personal accessories.

5. Check for batteries. Follow your recycler’s instructions for laptops and removable batteries.

6. Find an appropriate recycler. Confirm that the facility accepts computers and other electronics.

Data security is especially important when recycling computers, phones, tablets, and other devices that store personal information.

Can I Recycle My Cell Phone?

Yes. Cell phone recycling is another important part of e-waste recycling. Smartphones contain glass, plastics, metals, batteries, and electronic components that can potentially be recovered.

Before recycling an old phone, back up anything you want to keep and perform a factory reset. Remove the SIM card and, when applicable, any removable memory card. Even if a phone no longer works, it may still contain recyclable materials.

Can I Recycle an Old TV?

In many cases, yes. Television recycling is common through electronics recycling programs, although accepted items and fees vary by location.

Older televisions can be particularly important to recycle properly because different types of displays can contain materials that require specialized handling. Newer flat-screen televisions also contain valuable glass, plastics, metals, and electronic components.

Because of their size and construction, televisions generally should not simply be placed in a regular recycling bin.

What About Circuit Boards?

Circuit board recycling is an important part of the electronics recycling industry. Circuit boards can be found in computers, phones, televisions, gaming systems, appliances, and countless other electronic devices.

They contain a mixture of materials, including metals that can be recovered and reused. Specialized recycling facilities can separate and process these components more effectively than traditional household recycling systems.

This is one reason you should avoid putting electronics in your curbside recycling bin unless your local recycling program specifically accepts them.

Can I Put Electronics in My Recycling Bin?

It can be tempting to throw an obsolete electronic device in the garbage when it no longer works. However, e-waste recycling provides a better way to handle many unwanted electronics.

When you recycle your old old computer, cell phones, televisions, circuit boards, cables, and other household technology, you help recover useful materials and keep electronics out of the regular waste stream.

Usually, electronics should not go in your regular curbside recycling bin unless your local recycling program specifically says that they are accepted.

Household recycling programs are generally designed to handle materials such as paper, cardboard, glass containers, and certain types of plastic and metal packaging. Electronics require different equipment and processing methods.

Instead, visit the Reliable Recycling Center in Frederick, Maryland. We accept personal computers and other circuit boards. Give us a call to check if your electronic materials can be recycled for cash.