Getting rid of your old computer requires more than just throwing it out. Computers hold a lot of sensitive information that may be at risk of theft. Many computers also hold sensitive materials that may harm the environment if disposed of incorrectly.
So, let’s take a look at how to safely get rid of your computer.
Understand The Data Risk
Computers often store a considerable amount of sensitive information, often much more than we are even aware of. These files are stored on your computer’s hard drive. This includes files we know are stored on it, such as old tax returns, license keys, and other saved information.
However, there is often much more we are unaware of stored on a computer’s hard drive. When you browse the web or often simply do anything on your computer, many permanent and temporary files are created without you doing anything to save them, and these can contain any amount of information.
Perhaps the biggest danger, though, comes when we think we have cleared our hard drives. When data is stored on your computer, it is stored in many different locations on your hard drive and displayed as a file that contains links to all of those pieces of data. Your computer’s hard drive knows how to locate and piece all of this data together again when you click on the file.
However, when we delete the file, we often assume that it will delete those individual pieces of data, but it will only delete the links. The data will remain stored until space is needed and it is overridden. Unless properly cleared, data recovery programs can pick it up.
Clear Your Hard Drive
First, save any files you want to keep. Some good ways to do this include USB flash drives, cloud services, or transferring it directly to a new computer with a USB connection.
After this is done, use a utility program to clear and overwrite your hard drive. These can be acquired inexpensively or even for free online. Some will clear your entire hard drive; whereas, some will only target certain folders. Another difference between these programs is how many times they will overwrite your hard drive. Some will only do it once; whereas, others will do it multiple times. It is best to try and find one that will clear everything and overwrite as many times as possible.
However, if you want to be sure that information cannot be retrieved from your old hard drive, another option exists. Physically remove your hard drive from the computer and smash it.
Remember that if you use your computer for work purposes, ask your employer about how you should manage any business data. There are certain legal requirements for data disposal concerning customer-related information.
Disposing of Your Computer
After dealing with all of the information on your computer, it is time to dispose of it knowing your data is safe and secure. However, most computer equipment contains heavy metals and other hazardous material that can be harmful to the environment, so they need to be disposed of correctly. There are several ways to do this; let’s look at a few options.
Recycling
There are a number of recycling programs for computers, including several offered by manufacturers. First of all, try checking your own computer manufacturer’s website for more information. Then try the Environmental Protection Agency’s website. This has information about many electronic waste recycling programs. Oftentimes your local community may have an e-waste recycling program as well, so try checking with your local government as well.
Donation
Many charitable organizations collect old computers. These can be refurbished and given to those in need or sold. Try searching for some in your area.
Sell It
Many people and some businesses will buy old computers. You can post your computer for sale online through many listing services such as Facebook Marketplace and others.
Final Thoughts
It is important to dispose of old computers correctly both to protect sensitive information and prevent harm to the environment. Make sure old information on your hard drive is properly and permanently erased and that you dispose of your computer in a safe and responsible manner by following these steps.
Contact Us
For more information on properly disposing of e-waste or for junk disposal, contact ABH Services. Call us at 781-941-2422 and connect with us on Facebook.