How to Recycle Laptops & Computers

Laptops and computers are classed as Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) when they are discarded. They should be reused or recycled through an appropriate WEEE route rather than placed in general waste.

Businesses should back up and securely remove any sensitive data before arranging collection by an authorised waste carrier. Old laptops can then be tested for reuse or sent to an appropriate treatment facility, where useful components and materials are recovered.

Householders can normally use retailer take-back schemes, local recycling centres or suitable electrical recycling points.

Before recycling a laptop, check whether it can still be reused. Working devices may be suitable for refurbishment, resale, donation or redeployment within your business.

If the laptop has reached the end of its useful life:

• Back up any files you need – move important data to secure cloud storage, a company server or another approved device.
• Remove business and personal data securely – use an appropriate data-erasure process before the laptop leaves your control.
• Keep batteries with the device unless they are designed to be removed safely – damaged lithium-ion batteries may need a separate waste route.
• Arrange an appropriate WEEE collection – businesses should use an authorised waste carrier or compliant IT recycling provider.
• Keep the correct paperwork – retain the relevant waste transfer documentation for commercial collections.

Old laptops should not go in general waste or standard mixed recycling.

Before you recycle a computer from your home or business there are two important things to do – back up your data and wipe the hard drive. This ensures you maintain all the key files, information, and data you need from your old computer and that nobody should get their hands on any sensitive or personal information.

You can back up the data on an external hard drive, USB stick, server, or cloud storage. Check that you can access it and that everything is secure. Once you’re certain it’s all backed up you should then use the factory reset option to wipe your computer.

If you want to be extra safe you can remove the hard drive for safekeeping or destruction. Computer cleaning kits are also available, but you only really need to consider using one when you plan to resell your old computer or its parts.

Depending on whether you need to get rid of a computer from your business or home there are various ways to recycle computers. The main places where you can recycle computers are:

• Returning it to a retailer – many high-street retailers that sell electronic goods accept old computers for recycling, whether you bought it there originally or not.
• Calling the computer manufacturer – most computer manufacturers have returns programs that accept old machines that they arrange recycling for.
• Visiting your local household waste recycling centre – lots of HWRCs have WEEE bins and sometimes separate bins for old computer recycling.
• Donating your old computer to a charity shop – if your old PC still works then many charity shops or community projects may accept it to use or sell.
• Reselling online – Facebook Marketplace, eBay, and Gumtree are popular websites to sell old computers and parts whether they work or not.
• Arranging collection from your business – companies and organisations can arrange commercial waste collection of old computers by professional waste management firms to ensure they’re recycled.

The main way to reduce computer waste is to hold onto working computers and laptops for longer and avoid throwing them out. If a computer still works then consider upgrading its parts – such as the graphics, sound cards, and processor – rather than buying a brand-new machine. This reduces the need for new materials, prevents waste, and saves you money.

Another key action to minimise computer waste is to donate old machines rather than send them for recycling. Many charities and community projects will accept working PCs to sell or use. Even if your old computer is broken, some charities and individuals will take them to repair and then use or sell it.