Dealing With Obsolete Computers

Schools and Goodwill stores used to be thrilled to be the recipient of a used computer. No more! Computers become obsolete so fast, that computers just a few years old can’t do much more that help in writing a letter. Computers are now a significant part of our hazardous waste stream.

The Silicon Valley Toxics Coalition estimates that the 315 million computers expected to become obsolete by the year 2004 would contain, among other hazardous wastes, 1.2 billion pounds of lead, 2 million pounds of cadmium, 400,000 pounds of mercury and 1.2 million pounds of chromium. Many municipalities ban the disposal of computer and television equipment.

Consider upgrading computers before throwing them out.
If your computer is broken, check your Yellow Pages for computer repair services and fix your existing computer before buying a new one.
Find a computer reseller near you by visiting the database of national retailers at Recycler’s World was established as a worldwide “trading site for information related to secondary or recyclable commodities, by-products, used and surplus items or materials.” The exchange covers used computer items, cartridge remanufacturing and recycling, computer scrap and dismantling, and recycling traders and recyclers.
Call your local municipality and ask about programs for obsolete computers in your area. A Massachusetts company has devised a way of melting down computer plastic and using it to fill potholes! Who knows what computer reusing entrepreneur may be living near you? RecycleNet Help Line: (519) 767-2913.

Read more: Home, Reduce, Recycle & Reuse

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Emil P.

3:43AM PDT on Jun 4, 2011

some times if u clean the rams with surgical spirit it may work. try i did it and it works.
it is a interesting article

send a green star

Anita B.

8:20AM PDT on Apr 30, 2011

Rather make-do and mend; even that is getting harder, why should have buy new useless items?

KS G.

2:39AM PDT on Mar 27, 2011

Thanks for the article.

beverly g.

3:49PM PDT on Aug 10, 2010

get rid of proply.

Joe M.

2:43PM PDT on Apr 21, 2010

noted. for me i get used parts at select 'puter stores. my broken thingies get e-recycled. i hand down working parts to my fam.

Ann W.

2:29PM PDT on Apr 18, 2010

What do you do when the printer accessories aren't made anymore? And it's slooow.

Beth C.

9:42AM PDT on Apr 17, 2010

When I bought my new computer I gave my niece my old one which had XP on it but was driving me insane. She only uses it for internet access to FaceBook and a couple other things so it is perfect for her. Her dad wiped out all my info and put in another hard drive and she is set. I got my new one with the stimulus check I got from Obama and a couple other pennies and got a great deal. We both win.

Ivana Y.

4:27PM PDT on Apr 16, 2010

thank u for the information.

Ellinor S.

1:03PM PDT on Apr 16, 2010

thank you

Buzz H.

5:32PM PST on Jan 18, 2010

If anyone's interested and in the Ohio and PA area, through our salvage company, we take in all obsolete computers and anything electrical and electronic, including lab equipment. If you have anything you need to dispose of, just bring it on in. We do pick-up as well, depending on what you have available. Send an e-mail for our website and more information. Our location: Youngstown, Ohio. bumblebuzz136@peoplepc.com