What to do with old computers?

[PAkev]

I have about a half dozen or so computers collecting dust in my basement. They came frome my home and office and include old 286mhz CPU towers and monitors. Someone told wifie that there is some nasty stuff in the puters (carcinigants) that can compromise the health environment of our home which is making her a little nervous. <br /><br />It doesn't look like they are good enough to stand up to any of todays hi tech software so I now plan on heaving them. I would like to do so in an environmentally responsible way and was wondering what the protocol is for disposing old computers.<br /><br />Helpful advice appreciated.

 

[one more cast]

Re: What to do with old computers?

You need to find a computer recycling place in your area. If there is none try someone that builds computers. I have no problem giving old PC's and and accessories away.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: What to do with old computers?

Ebay the parts. Real cheap.

 

[roscoe]

Re: What to do with old computers?

Around here, county has several waste clean sweeps throughout the year, for old paint, fuel, junk, etc.<br />We have to pay $5 per monitor and per computer to dispose of them.

 

[Xcusme]

Re: What to do with old computers?

Why not donate them?? You'll probably get a tax write-off to boot. You'd be surprised what can be done to older computers. While they won't be fast, they can run basic programs and may finally end up in the hands of someone who couldn't otherwise afford even a basic machine. Simple word processing and the like can be handled by these basic computers.<br /><br />Google sites in your area for "donate computers (enter your state)"<br /><br />like this.... Link

 

[4poco]

Re: What to do with old computers?

I collect these old computers from our school and town hall, format and re-install operating systems, then donate to kids that dont have one or thier parents cant afford one. No child should be without one in this day in age, after all,it is thier future. Donate them !!!!

 

[NBE]

Re: What to do with old computers?

Yes, I agree with donating them. There are always some little kids who are without that would love to have one. I would donate them to someone who will refurbish them before giving them out, as 4poco says in his post above.<br /><br />I imagine that they would make good anchors also. Just kidding!

 

[ZooMbr]

Re: What to do with old computers?

I recently got into repairing donated computers and placing them; usually with the elderly who want to do their life story/history. Lots of TLC getting them going as they are afraid of computers.<br /><br />As said they work well for word processing, etc. no internet connections with these folks -- when they need to do research on the internet, or mail, the library has high speed systems avail.

 

[ndemge]

Re: What to do with old computers?

St. louis has a place I heard of a while back that you donate parts too. People that can't afford a computer can get one, but they have to come do so many hours of work at the place helping out before they get one handed to them.<br /><br /><br />Or you can do the easy route like I did when I cleaned out my computer graveyard.... Put it all on the Porch, put a post out on the local freecycle, and in 1 hour, it was all gone.