How to Reuse or Recycle a Computer in New Jersey

Technology advances so quickly that equipment is usually outdated by the time it hits the shelves. Replacing a computer is easier and sometimes cheaper than repairing. The end result is a pile of unused, but still useful computers and peripherals cluttering up the garages and basements of homes everywhere. Instead of tossing it in the dumpster--which is illegal because of all the toxic metals involved in creating a piece of electronic equipment--consider donating or recycling. Here are steps to recycling your old computers in New Jersey.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Old computers, printers, keyboards, etc.

1. Get rid of all sensitive information from your computer. Use a program such as Darik's Boot and Nuke to completely erase your hard drive (see Resources below for links to similar websites).

2. Contact your local school board and ask about donating old computers or peripherals. In order for the donations to be useful to the schools, they shouldn't be more than 5 years old.

3. Contact your local places of worship. If they can't use the computers, they would know of individuals or other nonprofit organizations that could use them. Again, if the used computer is older than 5 years, it may not be powerful enough to run today's programs.

4. Locate nonprofit organizations that specialize in placing technology with those in need. There are several organizations in New Jersey that take late model computers, refurbish and redistribute them to those in need. Check out Computer Outreach, Girls Incorporated of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey or the Urban Renewal Corp. (see links in Resources).

5. Recycle the computer or peripheral if it's older than 5 years or is not in usable condition. Because of the toxic metals and acids in computers, monitors, printers and other electronic equipment, it's best to recycle them. Proper recycling centers will be able to handle these issues (see Resources for a list of New Jersey recycling centers).

Tips & Warnings

• Remember, it's always better to reuse than recycle, and better to recycle than trash old computers. Pass on your still usable machines to those who can use them.
• Do not dismantle any monitor, especially if it's a CRT. It can be very hazardous since CRT monitors can store a high voltage charge.

Resources

• Darik's Boot and Nuke
• Microsoft.com: Clean/Reformat a Hard Drive
• Summit Hard Disk Scrubber 2
• New Jersery Department of Education
• Computer Outreach
• Locate Computer Recycling Centers in New Jersey
• Girls Incorporated of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey
• Urban Renewal Corporation
• Computer Take Back Campaign

[ajoneser]

on 12/6/2008 Great article, more people need to do this with old computers. It is very environmentally concious and could help those in need.

[Momof3infl]

on 3/22/2008 Great article!