Recs for safe computer disposal/recycling?

Amy_729

I have 2 really old laptops that I need to get rid of. I have no idea what to do with them. Does anyone have a rec for a safe way to dispose of or recycle them? I don't know how to erase everything off of them and all that, so really just want to dump them somewhere safe. Thanks!

KRHagen

I don't know of any places that are "safe". We took ours to Best Buy but we removed the hard drives first...they go into drawer I am currently referring to as the "I don't think we'll ever be able to get rid of this stuff" drawer.

Sadlebred

Try your county's/city's sanitation service. They will often have a recycling program or a recycling day.

smynings_bride

A friend that's a computer expert told us to use a drill to drill holes in the hard drive itself as the best way to make sure that the info on it cannot be stolen.

Sadlebred

For the data, take the hard drive out and smash it into 1000 bits with a hammer, screwdriver, or jackhammer. Then recycle the case and other parts. There are metals and plastics in there that can easily be recycled.

Aerorea

You can get free recycling from Apple. (doesn't have to be an Apple product)