Linda posted on October 21, 2008 15:40
You’ve just received that brand new computer you’ve been wanting and you are truly amazed by how much faster it is than your old system. You’ve moved all of your important documents and pictures to the new system and everything is working just as you expected. You shut that old system down for the last time and suddenly you wonder what you are going to do with it.
If your system still has useful life, look for an organization that can put your old system to good use or find an organization that can facilitate such a donation. TechSoup has tips for donating a computer along with a list of organizations that are authorized Microsoft refurbishers. The National Cristina Foundation , is an organization that matches used equipment with needy schools and non-profit organizations around the world.
Goodwill has partnered with Dell to accept used equipment to be refurbished or recycled through RECONNECT. A simple Google search for “donate computer” will provide 456,000 results, so it shouldn’t be too difficult to find a good home for your used equipment. To take advantage of these opportunities, it is helpful to have the documentation and CDs that came with your system.
If it is important to you that your old system be used and not just recycled, then be sure you look for an organization whose focus is refurbishing and not recycling.
If your business leases systems, don’t just assume that the leasing company will dispose of your old equipment responsibly. Before you sign the lease, be sure that you ask about how your systems will be handled at the end of the lease. Some leasing companies are definitely more green than others and if this is an issue that is important to you, it needs to be a consideration when you select a leasing company.