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What Should
I Do With
My Old
Computer?
We're glad you asked and didn't
just heave-ho it into the nearest
dumpster. Electronic devices
contain hazardous materials that
don't belong in a landfill. The U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency
estimated in 2015 that recycling
1 million laptops saves energ y
equivalent to the electricity used by
3,657 U.S. homes in a year.
3 STEPS TO DISPOSE OF YOUR
OLD COMPUTER
Step 1: Back up your files. You've likely
saved photos and important documents
on your computer; save them to another
device for safekeeping.
If you bought a replacement
computer, you could transfer your
files there.
You can use secure cloud storage or an
online service.
An external hard drive is another
option, which may allow for
scheduling automatic backups if you
connect it to your new computer.
Step 2: Erase your old hard
drive. Your computer may store
sensitive information, including bank
information, account numbers, and tax
returns. Delete anything personal from
your old computer's hard drive, so there's
nothing for an identity thief to find. Your
operating system likely has a program
for erasing the files and returning the
computer to factory settings.
Step 3: Contact an appropriate
organization. e City of Huntsville
website (huntsvilleal.gov) provides
information on household hazardous
waste disposal, including a list of what's
accepted and the hours and location for
drop off. For other municipalities, search
online for "dispose of old computer in [my
location]." You may also find a nonprofit
that accepts donations of old computers,
depending on the operating system. In
addition, some businesses provide an
electronics recycling service; one example
is ubreakifix® by Asurion.
Redstone is committed to the
communities we serve, and we care about
our environment. Our commitment is
evidenced by how we give back through
outreach programs and financial
education. We're here to help!
