How to recycle or retire your old PC.

• Author: Swartz, Nikki
• Position: Up front: news, trends & analysis - Brief Article

If you plan to replace your current personal computer system, don't just stick it in a closet or basement, and whatever you do, don't throw it away.

So what to do with a PC that has outlived its usefulness? If it is less than five years old, donate it to an organization that can place it in a worthy home, school, or nonprofit organization. Local user groups can usually help find a home for an unwanted but still useful computer. Some research may be necessary, however; many Goodwill and Salvation Army outlets, for example, will not accept donated PCs because they often receive computers that are too old to be sold or used.

A "senior" computer--older than five years--might need to be taken to a local recycler. If there are no local opportunities to recycle old PCs, though, it may be possible to send the old model back to the manufacturer. Dell, Gateway, and Hewlett-Packard all operate recycling programs. In each case, a delivery service will pick...