Old computers often end up sitting unused in cupboards because people are unsure what to do with them. Before throwing one away, it is worth checking whether it can be repaired, upgraded, reused or recycled.
The most important step is protecting the information stored on it. Even an older computer may contain emails, saved passwords, financial documents, customer information, photographs and other personal or business data.
Here is how to dispose of an old computer safely and responsibly.
Back Up Anything You Want to Keep
Before resetting, selling or recycling a computer, make sure you have copied everything you may need.
This could include:
- Documents, photographs and videos
- Email archives
- Accounting or business files
- Browser bookmarks
- Software licence information
- Saved passwords and authentication details
Files can be transferred to a new computer, an external drive or an approved cloud storage service. Check that the backup works before deleting anything from the original device.
Wipe Your Data Properly
Deleting files or emptying the Recycle Bin does not necessarily remove the underlying information from a computer. In some circumstances, deleted data may still be recoverable.
Before a computer is sold, donated, traded in or recycled:
- Sign out of Microsoft, Google, Apple and other accounts.
- Deactivate any software licences tied to the device.
- Remove USB drives, memory cards and other removable storage.
- Back up the files you want to keep.
- Reset the computer and erase its internal storage.
The Australian Cyber Security Centre recommends backing up important information, removing removable storage and erasing data before disposing of a device.
For an ordinary home computer, using the operating system’s full reset and drive-cleaning options may be appropriate. Businesses holding customer records, financial information, medical data or other sensitive material may require more thorough data sanitisation or physical destruction of the storage drive.
If you are uncertain, speak with a technician before handing the computer to another person or recycling service.
Should You Repair, Upgrade or Replace It?
An older computer is not automatically ready for recycling. A relatively simple repair or upgrade may give it several more years of useful life.
Upgrading may make sense when:
- The computer is generally reliable but feels slow
- It has a mechanical hard drive that can be replaced with a faster solid-state drive
- It needs additional memory
- The battery, screen or another replaceable component has failed
- It can still run a currently supported operating system
- The repair costs considerably less than a suitable replacement
Replacement is usually more practical when the computer cannot run supported software, has several failing components, lacks the performance required for your work or would cost too much to repair.
For businesses, age is not the only consideration. Reliability, security, warranty coverage and employee downtime should also be included when comparing repair and replacement costs.
Can You Sell, Donate or Trade It In?
A working computer may still have value, particularly if it is reasonably current, in good condition and capable of running supported software.
Depending on the device, your options may include:
- Selling it privately
- Passing it on to a family member
- Donating it to an organisation that accepts computers
- Repurposing it for a simpler task
- Using a manufacturer or retailer trade-in program
Trade-in availability and value depend on the computer’s brand, age, specifications and condition. Some older devices may have little financial value but can still be useful to another person.
Always complete the data-wiping process before a computer changes hands.
Recycle Unusable Computers Responsibly
Computers contain metals, plastics, electronic components and, in the case of laptops, rechargeable batteries. They should not be placed in a general waste or household recycling bin.
Australia’s National Television and Computer Recycling Scheme gives households and eligible small businesses access to collection and recycling services for products including computers, laptops, monitors, printers, scanners, hard drives, keyboards, mice and cables.
Available services differ between locations. You can:
- Contact your local council about e-waste collections
- Check whether a nearby Community Recycling Centre accepts computers
- Search for an approved drop-off location through Recycling Near You
- Ask the recycling provider what equipment it accepts before visiting
The NSW Environment Protection Authority also recommends considering reuse, donation or passing on working equipment before recycling it.
If the computer is a laptop, avoid damaging or puncturing its battery. Store it somewhere dry and check the recycler’s requirements for equipment containing rechargeable batteries.