(Updated 6/14/02)
Now that you've bought a spiffy flat-screen display and the latest, greatest 2GHz desktop computer, that decrepit three-year-old minitower and ancient CRT seem destined for the dumpster, don't they? Here's a hint from us: Don't trash them.
Why? Because even if last century's technology seems like dross to you, it might be valuable to someone else--for instance, a bargain hunter looking for a cheap PC, or a school that's looking to outfit classrooms with computers.
And consider this: according to the E.P.A., the pace of PCs heading for waste dumps will outpace the flow of new machines hitting store shelves by a margin of 3.4 million in 2002. Meanwhile, the Environmental Protection Agency estimates that each year, about 220 million tons of old computers and other tech hardware are trashed in the United States. And what's lurking in that massive pile of junked hardware? Toxic chemicals such as lead, cadmium, arsenic, and flame-retardants--for starters.
Do your part to keep computers out of the trash pile. Follow these steps to make your old computer useful to someone else.
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If you're looking to upgrade to the latest model, consider trading in your system. Find out which PC manufactures take trade-ins--and how much money you can save.
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Whether your hardware is in pristine condition or dead on arrival, there's probably someone out there who'd be willing to buy it. Our tips will help you get the best price.
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If you can't or don't want to resell your old technology, you can donate it to charity, which can result in tax credits.
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Want to toss your hardware in a landfill? Take a more environmentally sound approach and recycle your old system.
Matt Lake is the editor of Earth 911 and a frequent contributor to CNET Tech Trends. Got a question for him? We'll pass it on!
