Technology constantly changes, which may leave you wondering, “Where can I recycle computers?” Electronics recycling is vital when constantly upgrading our phones, TVs, computers, and laptops for the newest model to hit the market. 

Finding somewhere to recycle your computer should be easy, but there’s more to it than that. It’s essential to consider several factors when recycling computers. The most important factors to consider are:

• When you throw away a computer, and it goes to the landfill, you are throwing away not only your personal information but also precious resources. Plastic and metals take hundreds of years to decompose. However, what is even more vital to keep out of landfills are the chemicals that can leach into our soil and enter our water systems. 
• While donating your computer to somewhere like Goodwill* may seem viable, they may not ensure your data is destroyed. If the computer works, the person who purchases it may be able to retrieve your tax information, credit card payments, and other personal information. 
• Before recycling, ensure that the place you choose will destroy your data and that each piece of your computer will be appropriately disposed of. This not only protects you but your carbon footprint as well. 

Here are some places you can check out to see if there is a recycling program near you:

• The R-2 Certified Database
  • R-2-certified companies follow a rigorous set of standards to reuse and recycle responsibly. These are formally evaluated to protect the health of the environment, employees, and communities. It’s important to note that all downstream vendors of your IT recycling company are also R-2 certified. 
• Earth 911
  • Earth 911 has the recycling answer to all unwanted goods, including e-waste. Type in your zip code and what you’re looking to recycle, and you will be provided with what you’re looking for within a radius of your choosing!
• E-Stewards Database
  • Much like the R-2 certified database, E-Stewards is a similar database based on their certification qualifications. Companies that hold this certification ensure data security and brand protection. Additionally, these companies care about human rights and environmental justice. 
• Securis.com
  • See if there is a Securis location that may be able to help you or your business. With four locations, Securis provides electronics and computer recycling across the East Coast. From ensuring that our natural resources are responsibly recycled to helping businesses keep electronic waste out of landfills, we’re here for all your e-waste needs! Not only are we R-2 certified, but we also ensure that all of our downstream vendors are. We want to protect our environment, customers, and employees from steps A to Z. 

Recycling electronics helps provide environmental protection, and using a trusted e-waste recycling company can help keep your personal information safe. Before recycling, a company like Securis will remove all personal data from your devices.

Data breaches occur not only to big corporations but to individuals as well. Our computers contain tax returns, credit card payments, savings account information, and personal information. Be sure to properly dispose of your equipment to protect yourself from this information ending up in the wrong hands. 

*Some Goodwills partner with Dell to eliminate data and/or recycle broken computers appropriately. However, this partnership is not nationwide.