An old laptop or computer is made up of unusual and toxic components (like an old lithium ion battery), so it can’t just go into the trash our out with your curbside recycling.
Fortunately, most big tech companies (including Apple, Google, Samsung and Microsoft) and big gadget retailers (like Best Buy and eBay) have recycling programs that are specifically for people who want to get rid of their old laptops and computers.
Before recycling your old laptop or computer, you want to make sure all your information is backed up and that your old laptop is factory reset. There’s likely a lot of personal information on that laptop and you’ll sleep easier knowing you’ve fully removed it yourself.
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Once your old laptop or computer has been prepped for recycling, you need to figure out what to do with it. The first thing we recommend doing is checking the trade-in programs of these various manufacturers and third-party retailers. A lot of times you can get some money back or a gift card, which could be put up against a future purchase. If your laptop doesn’t have any trade-in value, don’t worry — most of these programs will still take it and recycle it properly anyway.
The Recycling Programs
• Apple Trade In: If you have a Mac, a good option is to go through Apple’s Trade In Program. You simply select the model of computer you’re sending in, type in the serial number and they’ll send you a trade-in quote (It likely won’t be for every much.) Once accepted, it’ll then tell you where to take or send your old computer.
• Dell Trade-In & Recycling Program: If you have an old Dell or laptop computer, you can trade it in fairly easily using the company’s program. You simply go to the website and follow the steps, entering the model and serial number of your laptop or computer, and they’ll give you a quote. If you just want to recycle it and don’t want money back, Dell will send you a free Fedex shipping label (you’ll need to supply the box) — you just need to fill out this form.