Many of the hundreds of thousands of used computers taken out of service every year are still perfectly usable and should be passed along to nonprofit organizations, schools, and people with disabilities whenever possible.

If you have relatively new equipment, try to locate an organization in your local area that will process it for REUSE instead of recycling it.

What's the difference? Recycling destroys useful equipment before its time. REUSE shares useful equipment with people and organizations in need so they can put it to work for a while longer.

Think REUSE FIRST! - See an article by Nikki & David Goldbeck Why Reuse Beats Recycling.

Places to donate NEWER (4-5 years old) computers for REUSE

Non-profit computer REUSE organizations - the organizations listed in this first category collect and refurbish computers they provide to various other organizations for REUSE. If you are seeking donations, contact groups in your local area to see if you qualify for any of their programs.

Organizations seeking NEWER computers for REUSE

The organizations and individuals listed in this category are seeking donations. Please do not contact them to ask for equipment donations - they are not able to help you.

Public schools
Non-profit charity organizations
US Volunteers working abroad
Individuals with disabilities - IMPORTANT NOTE: Tax deductions can NOT be taken for gifts given to individuals.

Places to recycle OLDER computer equipment

Older computer and electronic equipment that has outlived its useful life should be recycled in a controlled manner to keep toxins in the equipment from damaging the environment.

Where to recycle or donate OTHER items

Recycling tips, useful web resources and articles

Earth 911 offers a way to find local recycling resources by typing in your zip code.
Recycling facts - here's a good list of excellent reasons to recycle
Tips for donating computer equipment
What you MUST do before donating

Ethical issues in electronics recycling

Please visit the E-Stewards web site for articles about toxic waste and electronics recycling. We agree strongly that used computers, monitors and other electronic equipment should not be shipped overseas for disposal nor should they be incinerated or dumped here at home. To be truly successful, recycling must be done in an environmentally sound manner. We support the Computer Take Back Campaign

Note: All resources are provided in good faith. We are not responsible for the content of any linked website. It's up to you to evaluate the validity and usefulness of any organization.