If it’s time for you to get a new laptop or desktop, you may want to know what to do with the old device. It’s a bad idea to simply toss your computer in the trash, and is even illegal in some states like New York and California. Fortunately, computer recycling is the answer. But, you need to recycle your machine safely while safeguarding your data. Luckily, doing this the right way is simple with these easy steps.
Remove Your Personal Data Before Computer Recycling
Before computer recycling, remove any personal data. However, there’s more to this than simply deleting any files. You’ll need to take a few steps to be sure that your personal information isn’t at risk.
If you’re purchasing a new computer and want to transfer files onto your new computer, there are several ways to do this transfer. You can use a migration assistant or a good old fashioned cable.
But if you just want to get your files off your machine before computer recycling, back up your data in one of two ways, then follow the rest of the steps:
1A. Back up Your Data to the Cloud
Back up any data that you want to keep before computer recycling. To do this, we recommend using a cloud storage service, which keeps data safe and easily accessible.
For example, Microsoft offers a 365 Personal account meant for one person. It’ll work on Windows, Mac OS, iOS, and Android and comes with:
- 1 TB of cloud storage
- Email with no ads
- The ability to sign into your account on up to five devices at once
Alternatively, you could choose an Apple product and sign up for Apple’s iCloud. With this option, you automatically get 5 GB of free storage when you sign up for the basic iCloud service.
You can also choose to upgrade to iCloud+, where you’ll get a premium cloud subscription with additional features including:
- Between 50 GB and 2 TB of storage, depending on your chosen subscription
- The ability to mask your actual email address should you wish
- A customized email domain
- A secure video support package for a given number of cameras
1B. Back up the Data to an External Drive
Another way to back up your data is to buy an external hard drive and keep all your information there instead.
One option is the WD Elements portable external hard drive from Western Digital. You can choose from one of five models with 1 TB up to 5 TB of storage. Each drive has:
- USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 compatibility to make it easier to connect to your computer
- A lightweight, small design so that you can take the drive with you
- Fast transfer rates
- A 2-year limited warranty
2. Erase the Data From Your Computer
Once you back up your data, you then need to erase it from the computer you’ll be recycling. To do this, refer to the instructions provided by your computer manufacturer and reformat the drive to its original condition.
But if you want to go one step further, you could buy a product like Active KillDisk Professional For Windows. The company also has software for Linux and MacOS, and the product lets you destroy all hard drive data completely. Then, it sanitizes the drive according to 24 international erasing standards.
Fortunately, the software comes with:
- An installer and uninstaller (for Windows, Linux, or MacOS operating systems)
- A bootable disk
- An import disc creator for CD or DVD applications
- PDF documentation
3. Recycle the Batteries
Once you’re happy that you’ve deleted any personal data, you should next remove the battery (if it’s a laptop). There’s a separate recycling process for these batteries, and the EPA recommends that you recycle any lithium-ion batteries at certified battery electronics recyclers, such as Call2recycle.
Choose the Best Recycling Facility
To ensure you complete your computer recycling in the best way, look for a facility with Sustainable Electronics Recycling International (SERI) certification.
SERI is a non-profit organization that focuses on electronic sustainability, and promotes the R2 standard for disposing of used electronics including computer recycling.
SERI lays out processes, documentation requirements, and safety measures. So, if you take your old computer to a facility with an R2 certification, you’ll know that they’ll take care of your used electronics the right way.
You can find a list of certified recycling facilities on the SERI website.
Computer Recycling the Safe & Responsible Way
When it’s time for computer recycling, pay close attention to your process. If you’re careful and erase all your old data, you can then find a certified recycling outlet to complete the job. This way, you’ll be helping the circular economy by cutting down on e-waste.
