Moreover, it may be challenging to find software drivers and tech support for old hardware. New versions of operating systems and software may no longer support old hardware. There may be security vulnerabilities, and there is no other option but to dispose of them. But, to know the importance of knowing the answer to “how do you dispose of old laptop computers,” we first need to understand the adverse consequences of improper disposal. 

The consequences of improper electronic equipment disposal

Throwing an old laptop computer or even other electronic equipment at landfills can cause chemical leaks. Materials like mercury and lead might be released and cause contaminations. Computers, in particular, store a lot of valuable materials that can be recycled and turned into new, valuable products. The issue with not recycling is that it means virgin plastic has to be made, which uses oil, and we only have a finite amount of that. Recycling is better for the environment, not just because it reuses materials but because it's less energy-intensive than creating new plastic.

Hence, when you throw old laptop computers in the trash, they go to a waste center. Waste centers will primarily separate them as they can't just dump with regular waste. They have to be sent to an e-waste collector for disposal. There are hazardous materials involved in their development, and stuff like batteries can cause a fire. A collector for e-waste will have the proper permits to handle it, but it still creates waste. By recycling them, they can take the gold, silver, copper, and other materials out of them and recycle them for future products.

Indeed, computer recycling and disposal is a great solution to keep toxic waste out of landfills. It is very beneficial for our environment and community as well. Recycling your old computers conserves natural resources. When you recycle computers, you help limit the number of resources required to produce new electronic items. You can help to contribute technology devices to people in your community by donating or recycling old computers.

Proper ways to dispose of old laptop computers

Proper disposal of old laptop computers is quite simple but a precious e-waste solution. There are many ways to discard it properly. Here are some examples of ways on how do you dispose of old laptop computers:

1.  Donating your old laptop computer

The first step in donating is to know whether your old device is still usable. If so, find it an innovative new home. If your old laptop computer is still working, why don't you consider donating it? Rather than throwing your device away, it is good to give it away to those who need it badly. Many students are struggling in this technological era. They lack gadgets that are essential in their school work. You can also donate it to your family members or relatives. With that, your family relationship will tighten as they have a sense of gratitude for you.

Moreover, donating is something of a selfless act. Only feeling good about giving is one of the significant positive benefits of contributing to charity or those in need. Giving back to others in need helps you gain a greater sense of personal fulfillment and development, and helping others feels good.

2. Sell it

Old laptop computers are generally just useful if you can find a purpose for them. You might sell the laptop computer somewhere else for a small amount. Anything from $25 to $200 might be fair, based on the laptop computer's age, brand, and quality. Old laptop computers might be considered antiques, and like fine wine, they would become slightly more valuable after a decade or more.

Even a broken-down laptop computer could still be useful for spare parts. Just take out the hardware components that still work and might still be helpful. For example, the graphics card, the hard disks, all RAM modules, the rechargeable battery for the BIOS, and even the CD/DVD/Blu Ray drives. Take it apart in components and then decide if any of the parts can be helpful in the future.

Here are the various scenarios where the old or used laptop computers devices can be disposed of with monetary benefits: 

E-commerce websites

Renowned websites like Amazon, eBay, Etsy, and Nextdoor help customers sell their electronic devices online. In Amazon, you can become a seller by creating your credentials and selling the device. Otherwise, you can contact any of the sellers at Amazon and get your deal to resell your computer. If customers are socially active, they can post their reselling deals on the Facebook marketplace webpage, where their connections can see the post and respond accordingly.

If a customer decides to sell his device through Nextdoor, the customer has the edge of integrating their sale link through social media sites like Facebook, WhatsApp, etc. The customer can place his device for bidding and post about the best possible deal from the buyer through eBay. 

Encashment for spare parts

Many local stores buy spare parts or pre-owned parts of the laptop computer. To turn the transaction more profitable, the customer can sell the components individually instead of selling the entire set-up on the whole. For example, he can sell the CPU in one local store and mouse plus keyboard following the principle to build a decent profit margin. Few users might have a damaged monitor screen; however, the integrated circuit might remain intact to use that for monetary benefits.

As vintage widgets

Few people show interest in collecting vintage laptop computers like Apple, IBM, and so on. Websites like eBay, OLX, and Quickr sell those vintage devices. If a customer has an older computer, instead of selling it for lower value right at the instant of time, the customer can wait for 4-5 years. Later, he can sell the same piece for a higher price than before because it might be outdated, but it is named a vintage one.

Scraping

Few private companies like AIG, Accenture, Cognizant notify some recycling events globally where the employees can deliver their unused computer devices that computer disposal companies can also use for recycling. The process is done so that if an employee puts their laptop computer in a box, they are given a unique identification number. And the same is pasted on the device. 

Moreover, the equipment is crushed in the factories or industries to retrieve raw materials like iron, steel, tin, lead, and aluminum, commonly used in manufacturing computers. Based on the amount of the metal retrieved from an employee's device, the company pays him the amount in return based on the unique identification number given earlier.

In this way, one can make cash from older computers, which is beneficial to oneself and the environment.

3. Dispose of it with the help of e-waste recycling companies

When you don’t know the correct answer to the question “how do you dispose of old laptop computers,” the best solution is to ask for help from e-waste recycling companies. Then, the recycling companies should follow the safety precautions regarding the proper disposal of electronic units. Since there are dangerous components that are part of electronic equipment that can have hazardous consequences to people, partnering with an e-waste recycling company is also a way to take care of the planet. 

Moreover, being knowledgeable as they are, recycling companies are helping people to keep their data safe by using the proper process to dispose of electronic devices. These are possible e-waste solutions that e-waste companies reconsider on how to dispose of old laptop computers. Here are the options e-waste companies in e-waste disposal:

IT asset disposal

It is an excellent process of removing obsolete or retired IT equipment with a safe and secure asset disposition compliant with environmental regulations. It helps protect the data, control the assets, enhance value recovery, and meet the risk management needs of corporations. In this case, your old laptop computers can be disposed of properly.

Secure data destruction

It is the process of wiping digital information in the device due for disposal. Secure data destruction is essential because there will always be remnants of information that are hard to erase despite multiple deletion processes. So, there will be a possibility that when you dispose of the device or electronic waste, somebody could use a type of software to recover whatever things you have deleted. Meaning your data could be compromised. These are the reasons why you need to have the data destroyed.

Dispose of your old laptop computers with the help of Abtron Computer Services

You don't have to worry about how do you dispose of old laptop computers because Abtron does it efficiently. Abtron Computer Services can help you properly dispose of your old laptop computer without any worries. We are green in heart as we love our environment as much as we value our customers. We prioritize the privacy of our customers and their data stored in their old laptop computers.

Be rest assured that your electronic wastes are disposed of properly with our help without harming our environment. Also, your data and files are safe from unauthorized access.

Contact us to get your free quote and start the proper disposal of your old laptop computer.