Green IT: how can you recycle your old laptop or PC?
8th April 2025
In UK homes there are an estimated 184.4 million electronic devices* not being used.
I am certainly guilty of this – I think I have three old phones and an old laptop at home, just because I’m not 100% sure of how to dispose of them. However, recycling old technology, so you have more space in your home, and you aren’t adding to electronic waste, is easier than you might think.
If you want to recycle your old tech, in a way that is safe, keeps your data secure and is positive for the environment, check out these tips:
Back up your data: before you do anything, ensure that you have any important information stored on the device backed up somewhere else. Use the cloud, external servers or transfer via a hard drive or USB – otherwise, you risk losing valuable data.
Erase personal data: for privacy purposes, it is vital that you wipe all personal data from the device. Most devices will have this as an option within their settings, or you can find software that will do the same thing.
Remove batteries: if you can, remove the battery from the device before recycling, as they can be hazardous.
Find a recycling point: many local councils offer recycling services for electronic waste, or you can use this useful site locator*2 to find somewhere that will take unwanted electronics.
Retailer take-back schemes: some retails offer take-back schemes when you buy a new device from them – when you collect your new device, get rid of your old one, simple!
Donate or sell: if your device is still functional, consider donating it to a charity or selling it. The device may no longer be of use to you, but it might be perfect for someone else.
Follow these steps and you’ll be free from your unwanted laptop or PC, but without putting it in landfill and adding to electronic waste – better for you, better for the environment!
Want to ask Interfuture Systems more about reusing old technology? Talk to us HERE.
*https://resource.co/article/estimated-1844-million-electronic-devices-are-unused-uk-homes