How To Get Rid Of Old Computers For Free

Having one or two old computers taking up space in your house is not ideal and can start to make your space look cluttered. What’s more, it can become a safety hazard if said computers are laying around. Whether you’re a homeowner who is just looking to dispose of one unit or a business having an office clear-out and wanting to get rid of old computers for free, our furniture removal team is on hand to offer some solutions.

Before you say goodbye to your old computer, you should take some time to make sure it has been completely wiped of your personal details. This is especially important when it comes to getting rid of office computers as they can hold a lot of confidential information about your employees, partners, and business ventures. 

Many of us automatically ask our web browser to save all of our logins and passwords, and business computers will be no different. This means that each computer will be filled with information that can be used to gain access to various sites, apps, and documents. 

In order to make sure these logins do not get lost, make sure they are noted down. If you have a large company, then this could be asking your employees to keep a record of their own access information, or if the business only employs a few people then it may be best to note them down yourself.

Take the time to wipe each computer to make sure there are no documents or online accounts saved. This way, you can be sure that all private information about your company can’t be leaked, protecting both your employees and customers. 

As well as this, de-register all accounts from Microsoft such as Word, Powerpoint, Excel, Outlook, and Publisher or Apple apps. 

After you’re sure you’ve noted down all information from the old computers and have deregistered the accounts associated with it, you can then restore it to factory settings. This will get rid of all of the user settings, documents, and downloads and restore it back to the settings applied when you first bought it. 

To do this on a Windows computer, you need to go to settings and find ‘reinstall Windows’. You can then quickly follow the on-screen instructions. If you have an Apple Mac or Macbooks, you can do this by restarting the computer and holding down Command-R.

As a general rule of thumb, Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) waste is any item that has a plug or operates using batteries. For example, computers, monitors, and keyboards are all examples of WEEE waste.

Getting rid of electrical items can be tricky as there are strict regulations surrounding the disposal of these times, so it is vital you follow the guidelines put in place.

For instance, WEEE items are not able to be disposed of at the same sites as other waste due to the toxic materials that are often used to manufacture these goods. Materials such as lead, mercury, and cadmium can be found inside electrical components and batteries and if not treated properly, could potentially leak. This could cause a lot of damage to our local environment, damage ecosystems, and get into our water supplies.

To be able to recycle computers, you need to thoroughly research the components and find out whether there are any circuit boards present and what internal wiring it has.

Computers can usually be taken to a local household recycling centre if you are just looking to get rid of an old unit from your own home. You just need to make sure you put it in the right section so it may be best to ask employees working on-site. 

Most household disposal centres won’t accept commercial waste so businesses looking to get rid of electrical equipment should get in touch with a private removal team who will be able to take all of their waste away. 

If your office computers still work but you are just looking to upgrade, then consider donating them. This way you’re still able to get rid of them but they are also helping a good cause. 

Here are a few ideas of free computer reusing schemes: 

• WeeeCharity

This charity will come to your premises and pick up your unwanted computers. They will then find the best place to donate them to, or else dispose of them in an environmentally friendly manner. 

• Freecycle Network

This site has different groups dedicated to swapping or giving unwanted items to others. This way, you can keep your computers out of the landfill. 

• ComputerAid

This is a great charity that brings technology and computers to developing countries. They offer a service where they pick up and wipe your computers to make sure they’re GDPR compliant before taking them overseas. 

• Local charities 

There are also several locally based charities that will accept your computer donations as long as they work. The Air Ambulance Service is just one of these, also offering a free data wiping service.

Donating to charity is a great way to get rid of old computers for free as not only does it help clear your space, but others in need will be able to get some good use out of them.

If your computers do not work and you would rather just hire someone to get rid of them, our professional waste removal company can do the job for you. We offer a comprehensive office furniture removal service that will rid you of any other clutter or waste you need to dispose of.

To book our furniture disposal services, or to receive a free no-obligation quote, give us a call on 020 8504 2380.