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How Should I Dispose of my Old Computer Accessories?

Cathy Rogers
Cathy Rogers

If you’re wondering what to do with those old computer accessories, the options are plentiful. Whether it’s an old mouse, keyboard, speakers, or other accessory, ways exist to dispose or recycle these items; all it takes is a little research. Many accessories can be resold or used for parts, while others can be taken to special recycling locations.

Items that are in good working order can be sold through the classified ads or on online auction sites. You might even be able to get quite a bit of money if the accessory is for a classic computer system that's in demand by collectors. There are a number of sites that allow users to give away items to interested people for free or for trade as well, which might be more practical for those not-so-vintage systems.

Computer parts can be brought to specific recycling locations.
Computer parts can be brought to specific recycling locations.

In the United States, some office supply retailers will take old computer accessories off your hands for a nominal fee. Some nonprofit organizations will recycle the non-usable items and send the usable accessories, such as monitors and printers, to schools, organizations, and senior service agencies that can use the items. Even ink cartridges can be reused.

Monitors might be recycled at an e-waste facility.
Monitors might be recycled at an e-waste facility.

The reason you don’t want to just add your old computer accessories to your household garbage is because these items often contain hazardous waste, such as cadmium, lead, and mercury. According to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), e-waste, a term applied to electronic products nearing the end of their useful life, constitutes close to 75% of the toxic waste found in landfills. Once in a landfill, these items can leach into the soil or end up in the drinking water sources.

Computer mice can be recycled.
Computer mice can be recycled.

Some major computer companies will accept your old accessories for free recycling, especially if you’re about to make a purchase of new computer or accessory. Other companies, known as recyclers or refurbishers, will break down your donations into usable parts and appropriately dispose of the remainder. Refurbishers generally accept computers and accessories that are less than five years old. Similar companies are known as demanufacturers, and they separate the e-waste into small parts, all while wearing respirators to protect them from toxic materials.

Ink cartridges can usually be recycled.
Ink cartridges can usually be recycled.

Generally, it’s a good idea to reduce, reuse, and recycle all items. In the case of computer accessories, don’t buy more than you need or replace the items more often than absolutely necessary. You can also reuse and recycle those old peripherals that still work by passing them on to friends, neighbors, or community organizations that can use them.

Discussion Comments

everetra

@David09 - The EPA website has a ton of information on resources and places where you can donate used computer parts and accessories. There are places that will recycle the equipment and even come to your house to pick it up. They also list places where you can buy “green” computer parts that are safe for the environment. I should we all should do our part not to add to toxic landfills.

David09

@Charred - You can sell computer parts online. On the radio I keep hearing this commercial about a company that will buy your used electronics, whether computers or whatever. You may not get much for them, but even if they give you next to nothing at least they can take it off your hands. There’s no need to keep that junk around your house. I have a brother who works in electronics and he can usually salvage the components.

Charred

I lived in an apartment complex once and was surprised at the number of people who would try to get rid of their old computer parts by dumping them in a dumpster. Sometimes I’d even see whole computers, with monitors, keyboards, printers and all—dumped in the dumpster. That’s certainly not safe or even smart. They could have easily given them to Goodwill or some other organization like that—or had a “garage sale” or took out an ad in a local paper. I realize some people think no one wants old computers, but there are some operating systems that can run on the older hardware and so I don’t they should just chuck the PCs.

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    • Computer parts can be brought to specific recycling locations.
      By: Michael Flippo
      Computer parts can be brought to specific recycling locations.
    • Monitors might be recycled at an e-waste facility.
      By: dpullman
      Monitors might be recycled at an e-waste facility.
    • Computer mice can be recycled.
      Computer mice can be recycled.
    • Ink cartridges can usually be recycled.
      Ink cartridges can usually be recycled.
    • A printer.
      A printer.
    • Items in good working order can be sold through classified ads.
      By: Feng Yu
      Items in good working order can be sold through classified ads.
    • Computer headsets are a common accessory that needs to be replaced often.
      By: jeninagy
      Computer headsets are a common accessory that needs to be replaced often.
    • Keyboards should be recycled when they no longer work.
      By: Alexey Laputin
      Keyboards should be recycled when they no longer work.