Old computing equipment sitting around gathering dust may seem useless to you, but it may benefit others. Many non-profit organizations and libraries rely on donated equipment and can benefit greatly from your usable equipment. Start by calling local organizations that interest you to see if they may benefit from your equipment.

If you are unable to find a new home for your equipment, there are organizations to assist in finding your usable equipment a new home. Microsoft has a registered refurbisher directory for companies that take older equipment to be refurbished and resold or reused. Visit https://www.msregrefurb.com/RRPSite/OnlineDirectory.aspx and search your location of a refurbisher in your area.

If your equipment is older or otherwise unusable, recycling is the best option. It is never advisable to simply throw away your equipment in the trash. Washington State’s Department of Ecology is responsible for recycling programs throughout the state and accepts all types of electronics equipment. In Oak Harbor, North Whidbey Transfer Station & Recycle Park accepts  all types of electronic equipment. Call 360-675-6161 for more information. For detailed information outside Oak Harbor, visit the Washington State’s Department of Ecology at http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/swfa/eproductrecycle.

Most importantly, before releasing your equipment to another organization or to be recycled is to securely remove all data from computers, tablets or other electronics. There are software products available to assist in removal of information from hard drives if needed.

NorthSound Technical Services can assist in the secure removal of all your data from hard drives, memory devices and other equipment. Give us a call for details and procedures, or schedule a drop-off for us to perform a deep clean and removal of old data.