Today, you will look at how to responsibly and securely dispose of old computers. Also, you will learn ideas for repurposing computer parts and disposing of them in an environmentally friendly way.

Significance of proper computer disposal in data privacy

Computers components house different toxins that are hazardous for people. Worst, also in the environment, so they must be disposed of responsibly. One of the biggest concerns on how to properly dispose of a desktop computer is ensuring that your private data. Top important data are passwords, account numbers, addresses and phone numbers, and other personal documents stored in the computer. So, it is really essential to go into the right process so your data will not go to the wrong hands.

Unfortunately, simply deleting your files and emptying the Recycle Bin is not enough. However, there is a better and comprehensive process that you can do to practice how to properly dispose of a desktop computer.

Keep reading to know the steps you can follow to ensure proper and safe desktop computer disposal. 

Simple guide steps to properly dispose of your desktop computer

1. Save your important files

Backing up your files using an external hard drive or transferring them to a new computer is the primary action you need to complete before computer disposal. By doing so, you can quickly access your data anywhere or transfer them to a new machine, even from your smartphone. 

Also, you can opt to back up your files in the different storage cloud - handy virtual storage that enables you to restore your files if your computer is corrupted or you're traveling and need access to data using a different device.

This is even becoming more important when using your desktop computer for business, professional work, or performing student work such as thesis writing. Make sure to back up, backup and backup!

2. Delete the files once backed up

After completing the first step, you should immediately delete your files from the computer since you certainly do not want illegal viewing and accessing your important files later. Keep important emails or other personal data confidential because any mistake during the disposal process may lead to a vast data breach later. 

3. Clear your browser data

Clearing your browsing data is one of the most important and highlighted steps on entirely disposing of old computers. Hackers can target you based on access left to your browser history, so you must completely delete them. Deciding whether to delete it or not will depend on what browser you use.

Moreover, most browsers such as Google Chrome and Firefox are associated with the user's email accounts and can log in to different confidential sites. Thus, it means that once you clear your browser data, your browsing history will no longer be accessible.

4. Removing authority from your computer

Many computers have administrators or users' profiles that serve as the central authority over app permissions and customizations. Before putting into action how to properly dispose of a desktop computer, make sure to reset the administrator profile under settings. 

5. Uninstall Programs and Applications

Have this in mind: you should thoroughly uninstall all programs and apps before disposing of your old desktop computers. For the reason that some programs installed have access to your confidential and account information. In addition, all programs you subscribe to may have your bank or business details saved on the settings. There's no point in learning how to completely dispose of old computers if you get hacked due to unforeseen data intrusion in the disposal process. 

6. Clear your hard drive securely

If your hard drive contains sensitive data on your hard drive, just deleting them won't cut. Deleted data never really leaves the system; you should take advantage of other comprehensive methods and tools like software data erasure and hard drive shredding making your wiped data unrecoverable.

7. Turn over your desktop computer to a trusted IT Company for appropriate disposal

IT asset disposal companies like Abtron Computer Services Inc. will make it easy for you to properly dispose of a desktop computer. They will dispose of your computer correctly, ensuring that you have nothing to worry about at a very affordable and reasonable fee. 

Environmentally friendly ways to dispose of your desktop computer

Knowledge on how to properly dispose of a desktop computer also ensures to avoid all those computer toxins ending up in a landfill, exposing harmful hazards to the environment. Still, there is a safer and better way to get rid of your old desktop computer.

Recycle your computer

If you choose to recycle your computer, keep in mind that most computer recyclers will ship your old machine to other developing nations. Whether it is for donation or where scavengers explore piles of e-waste searching for valuable components.

There are many beneficial factors to recycling your old desktop computer; by doing so, you are helping to lower your waste costs which sounds very eco-friendly. In addition, it will also help reduce harmful waste that negatively impacts our environment. Recycling is one best way to show that you care about the environment, resulting in a better image for you in society.

Donate for certain causes

Don’t also forget that some local groups and organizations may be able to put your old and still functioning computers to good use. Donating your computer to some of these charities can provide them better access to their education or personal improvement.

Computer trading

If you still find your old desktop computer in good condition, trading your computer can be helpful. Trading in your computer usually takes place with several companies that offer trade-in services through which you can sell a wide variety of used electronics. The famous options include Amazon, Staples, and BestBuy.

The Do's and Don'ts in Disposing of Your Desktop Computer

Now that you've learned how to properly dispose of a desktop computer consider taking a few minutes to read some additional, and helpful do's and don'ts concerning computer disposal.

Do's and Don'ts:

• Overwrite your hard drive extensively as many times as possible. Once isn't enough; otherwise, data might still be retrievable.

• Using a hammer, physically destroy the hard drive by removing it from the CPU.

• Seek help from professional data security or a reliable computer disposal company to perform the disposal job. It will give you the peace of mind you deserve knowing that everything is done accordingly.

• Always coordinate with a reputable or certified computer recycling company to know more about how to properly dispose of a desktop computer.

• NEVER throw your old computer directly into the garbage bin!

• Avoid coordinating with unreliable recycling companies or having some lousy history record.

• Don't rely on a computer recycling company that is not duly certified.

• Do not burn your old computer. It may cause health hazards or even a threat to nature.

How to choose the best disposal company

When you need a company to help you properly dispose of a desktop computer or other equipment, it is essential to consider safety. Choosing the right company to work with is always highlighted with credibility and certification. Doing so will not only help save money and future headaches, but it will also prevent regulatory issues.

Research the company

It is imperative to ensure that you choose the right asset disposal services to dispose of a desktop computer properly. Please do not be a victim of flowery talk from companies that claim to dispose of computers. You need to know where your computer will end up and what process of recycling will be used- not by using a hammer to smash computers and dumping the debris in a landfill! It would help if you did tremendous research of the company to make sure that it has a credible service background.

Know if the company has strict data security

Before you turn over your old desktop computer to the recycling company, you have to ensure the process's security. You need to know every single step that your computer will go through during the disposal process. You have to keep in mind that you are taking a risk, and if any reason that your confidentiality ends up in the wrong hands, you could be in trouble.

Be precise with their services

When looking for a credible disposal company to answer your question on how to properly dispose of a desktop computer, it is a great idea to know about their services. Look for more comprehensive details. You should research the rates of service, and in return, and expectations. By getting all the details in advance will avoid unnecessary issues that may come up during the process. Most disposal companies offer different options in disposing of, such as on-site and storage disposal services, which are very helpful when security is a primary concern.

Raise money

Depending on your computer's functionality, condition, and age, you can end up making cash with it. It is suggested to talk to experts. They are the people who can help you assess the value of your desktop computer before you dispose of them. Your old computer can give you pretty little money if you have the knowledge to choose the best computer services. Therefore, finding the best company will be easier to restore or fix your computer. Rather than it being e-waste, it could be a way to earn money. Hence, you're helping the environment so as to earn back some money on your old computer.

Abtron is the Expert in Computer Services! 

If you are still searching for the most reliable computer disposal or recycling at an affordable price to properly dispose of a desktop computer, search no more! Contact Abtron Computer Services Inc today. 

Abtron is a certified and credible computer disposal, IT recycling, and data security company with a long-standing reputation in the industry. It securely and adequately disposes of a computer, its components, and hardware with specific steps that focus on security, legal compliance, and accountability. Helping small businesses recycle and properly dispose of computers while helping them achieve complete service satisfaction. Get a free quote today!