Recyle Your Old Computers!
Convenient and FREE computer recycling is now mandatory in the State of Texas!
Do you have old, out of date computers lying around that you don’t know how to get rid of?
Have you been shopping around and decided that it’s time for a technology upgrade?
DON’T ADD THOSE OLD COMPUTERS, MONITORS AND ACCESSORIES TO THE LANDFILL!
Manufacturers that sell computers in the state of Texas are now (since September 2008) required by law to offer FREE, convenient computer recycling for their old equipment, including desktops, laptops, monitors, keyboards and mice. (Note: manufacturers are only required to accept keyboards and mice of their brand when returned with other equipment. Though, many companies will take them back regardless of brand or accompanying equipment. Some even extend the recycling program to faxes, printers, and printer cartridges too!) It’s easy to identify the manufacturer by its brand. Go to the TCEQ website (Texas Commission on Environmental Quality) for more information about the law and a list of brands along with their manufacturers.
Retailers are required to do their part to help out with this program as well. By law, vendors are required to verify that the manufacturers of the products they sell offer computer recycling programs at no charge to the consumer. Some retailers, however, go beyond that which is required and offer in-store recycling drop off. For example, Staples has teamed up with Dell, so you can drop off any Dell products to be recycled for free ($10 charge for other brands). Best Buy recycles most electronics for free, with some stipulations. Additionally, many others, like Office Depot, offer tech recycling, but charge a fee. This is great for other e-waste, but why pay for recycling if computer manufacturers will take your old computers for free?
There are several different ways to return your unwanted computer equipment, all of which are free and convenient to YOU , the consumer. Every manufacturer that I checked out offers pre-paid shipping, and/or other drop-off opportunities. Many companies go even further and offer a trade-in program, where you get money off the purchase of a new system when you return an “of value” system for refurbishing/recycling. Others will take a computer from any other manufacturer when you purchase one of their new systems. Check out this list of computer manufacturers and browse the different programs they offer.
*CAUTION: Be sure to erase any personal data from all hard-drives before you return them for recycling. The recyclers and manufacturers will not be held liable for any information stolen from returned hard-drives. Unfortunately, I don’t have extensive knowledge on this subject, but my wise IT guy recommends a software called S-Delete for Microsoft users to wipe their hard drives clean that can be downloaded at: http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/sysinternals/bb897443.aspx.
If you’re a Mac user, you’re in luck. Macs have a secure erase feature built into the computer. Simply delete the documents like normal, then choose “Secure Empty Trash” from the “Finder” drop down menu. These steps might be a little extra hassle, but worth the peace of mind and security.
Please take advantage of this amazing opportunity to do something good for the economy and the environment. If you have any questions, please contact our center and we’d be glad to help!
