Now that you’ve upgraded to a new computer, what do you do with the old one?
1. Sell it for parts on eBay. If you know how to dismantle a computer, then you can take it apart and sell the individual pieces on eBay. Many people who rebuild computers are constantly looking for cheap or unavailable replacement parts. Search around for the value of your parts, then set them at a competitive price.
2. Sell the computer whole on Craigslist. Many students are looking for older computers on websites like Craigslist because they’re cheaper than buying a new computer in an electronics store. Be upfront in your ad, and list any problems the computer might have. If you’re only getting rid of it because you’ve upgraded your system and there’s nothing wrong with your old computer be sure to mention that.
3. You can donate it to charity. There are many organizations throughout the city that will take your used computer. Homeless shelters or organizations that cater to people with special needs are usually willing to take unwanted computers. If you don’t find an organization you like, you can always donate it to a thrift store like Goodwill or the Salvation Army.
4. Give it to a school. Educational institutions are a great place to donate old computers. Many schools will gladly accept the donation of a used computer. If they can’t use it in the classrooms for it’s traditional functions, there’s a chance they could use it in a computer repair class on campus.
5. Take it down to the computer repair store and have it recycled. A lot of smaller, privately owned computer stores will buy non-working computers. They have the tools to cannibalize them for parts that they can use to repair computers that come into their shops. Any parts they can use or sell to consumers they’ll be able to dispose of properly.