I’ve noticed that around this time of year I’m often asked for advice on dealing with old computers and other office equipment. Given that new products are coming to market daily, figuring out what to do with older equipment is a pressing problem.
Why Donate Your Old PC and Computer Equipment?
There are three fundamental reasons why disposing of old computer equipment properly is important: environmental concerns, refurbishing costs, and the digital-divide.
According to Jim Lynch at Tech Soup:
"As more companies, organizations, and individuals find reasons to upgrade their computers, the problem of how to safely discard used equipment continues to amplify.
The ramifications of this phenomenon are widespread:
- According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) EPA.gov, only 15% to 20% percent of retired personal computers, TVs, cell phones and other electronic devices are being recycled in the United States (latest statistics are from 2007).
- Every computer dumped into a landfill represents a missed opportunity to provide Information-Age tools to individuals and organizations across the digital divide.
- Well-meaning companies that donate out-of-date computer systems directly to schools and nonprofits -- rather than through a recycler or a refurbisher -- can end up passing on more of a burden than a blessing."
When thinking about the appropriate channels for older computing equipment, KTG advises clients to:
- Donate. See below for some great tips on donating used equipment and how a "refurbisher" and "recycler" can help.
- Sell on Craigslist. Many students and lower-income individuals use this forum to gain access to second-hand equipment.
- “Freecycle” your old equipment. Join your local branch of Freecycle.org, and you can post a message announcing that you have equipment to give away. Chances are somebody nearby will be willing to come pick it up from you!
Donated equipment gets a “fresh start”
CompuMentor, a provider of technology assistance to other nonprofits and the home of online nonprofit community TechSoup, has paired up with Microsoft Corporation and developed some truly innovative programs to help consumers properly donate aging equipment. CompuMentor 10 tips for donating a computer.
Thinking of selling on Craigslist?
If you’re thinking of selling your old equipment on Craigslist or other classifieds, we offer the following tips to help ensure a quick and painless transaction:
- Provide detailed specifications and disclose anything that doesn’t work or is missing. Be sure to highlight any software included as this increases the value of your hardware.
- Be clear that the equipment is sold “as-is” and that there are no warranties or support included (unless of course you wish to provide them.)
- Be realistic about how much you can expect to receive for your equipment. Moore’s law suggests that computing resources double about every 18 – 24 months. So if you receive more than 30% of the original cost of a PC that you’ve used for 2-3 years, you're doing great!
- For higher-value IT equipment (such as Cisco routers and switches) you may wish to consider a wholesale purchaser or an eBay agent to help you find the appropriate channel for the hardware.
Additional Resources:
Recyclers
Several commercial computer recyclers accept donations in various locations around the country and make sure equipment is disposed of properly. Find additional listings for commercial recyclers at:
- TechSoup
- ElectronicsRecycling.org
- The National Recycling Coalition's listing of Electronics Recyclers
- The National Safety Council's Electronic Equipment Recyclers Contact List
- The Electronic Industries Alliance listings
Source – Microsoft Education
To learn more about Kennedy Technology Group, please visit us at http://www.kennedytechgroup.com/.
