4 Best Ways You Can Recycle Computers for Cash 2021
You are probably wondering how resourceful an old computer can be? Putting it in the trash should not be an option as can sell your old computer for cash or donate them to a good cause.
Not all electronic waste (e-waste) can be easily recycled for cash, but you should be aware of several opportunities. Especially if you are trying to get rid of several computers at once.
Every year, computer firms keep putting out quicker, more technologically advanced computer models. If a person or business swaps their old computer for a newer model, that leaves them with older computers for which they may no longer have use.
The last thing you can do, though, actually tosses the old machine into the dumpster. What you can do is make some money by recycling an old machine while also being responsible for the environment.
Repair and Resell Computers
To become fully functional, a lot of older computers just need a few parts to be replaced. You may be able to find the parts needed at a local store to fix the old computer or locate them online.
When your old machine starts running slowly and you want to buy a quicker one with more bells and whistles, this can be a choice.
In places like Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist, you can put an ad online. That makes it possible for you to advertise to local buyers looking for a system like what you sell.
Sell Individual Parts
There are several different components for your computer, including hard drives, CPUs, GPUs, RAM sticks, coolers, and more. Any of these modules, even if no one has much interest in buying the machine itself, may be useful on their own.
People want these components to replace parts of their own broken computers, or as a more economical alternative to build a computer of their own, and they are looking for offers.
However, you would need to do the job yourself if you want to sell individual pieces. That means removing the computer, wiping the drives, and ensuring that the components are completely isolated, undamaged, and clean — all things that can take some experience.
You then have to build listings with product info and images on sites such as eBay or other common component sales platforms with the parts ready.
Sell for Scrap
Look at your local scrap yards and see if any of them are willing to purchase your scrap computers. Since computer circuits are made of valued rare metals such as gold, many places will buy computers, no matter how old.
Scrap yards are in a good place to mine these metals correctly.
They will all have their own particular methods or requirements, however, so you will have to give them a call to get all the information.
This way, you are not going to make a lot of money, but you are going to pick up some cash for a simple delivery. It is a perfect way to get rid of large numbers of computers at once.
Related Articles:
- 10 Best Places to Sell Your Old or Broken Electronics for Cash
- Best Places to Sell Used Shoes for Cash Online and Near You(Opens in a new browser tab)
Trade-In Your Old Computer
There are a number of stores and websites, such as phones and tablets, that are actively searching for obsolete computers and other hardware.
Depending on the state of the equipment, they usually pay you in cash or gift cards.
They will reimburse you with the value of your old system against the cost of the new one if they have a newer computer that you would like to use.
Below you will find a list of places that accept old computers and other hardware in exchange for cash or other forms of payment.
Gazelle
Gazelle is the ‘leading reCommerce company that buys and sells preowned consumer electronics,’ according to their website.
They buy used desktop computers, notebook computers, tablets and smartphones from people who went to make money, then refurbish and resell them to customers.
If you are looking to recycle computers with Gazelle, simply send the free prepaid shipping label you get from Gazelle to the computers. They pay you in the form of an Amazon gift card.
That is via PayPal or via check if Gazelle accepts your recycled computers.
Nextworth
Nextworth is an independent recycler that enables you to trade in cash for old laptops and other items.
You follow the instructions for sending in an item when you go to their site. Like Gazelle, Nextworth will then give you a prepaid shipping label free of charge.
When your computer or other device arrives at their warehouse, they inspect your computer.
They also determine its value and send you a personal check in the mail or pay you via PayPal; whichever you wish.
After they’ve accepted your device, they wipe it clean of any personal information and refurbish it and sell it to customers. Keeping computers and other devices out of landfills while they save people money and help people make money.
Amazon
Amazon has a trade-in service that encourages customers to submit personal computers, laptops, smartphones, mobile phones, video game consoles and more to their old ones.
They are going to give you a prepaid shipping label to give in your goods and no fees are charged.
They also have a search engine that shows you what similar items are getting back for trade-in. This can be a good way to know what you can expect to get paid before you send your item in.
Once you mail in your item, they’ll assess its value and you’ll get an Amazon gift card for the trade-in amount. You’re free to use the Amazon gift card for whatever purchases you want.
Target and Best Buy
Similar to the Amazon platform, Target and Best Buy stores have services. Best Buy encourages you, just as Amazon does, to trade in personal computers and laptops.
They also trade a range of other items and pay you in the form of a Best Buy gift card.
Additionally, Target only allows tablets and phones for trade-in at present. They pay you in the form of a Target gift card. This can be used to buy food, clothes or any of the many products offered by Target.
This Target website will help you find out which stores are involved in their recycling program for electronics.
Bottom Line
It is important for individuals and companies to understand the value of saving our environment from overflowing landfills. By seeking ways to minimize and recycle electronic components.
This will become a viable way to own and operate a serious company.
However, taking people’s old computers and other electronic things off their hands will allow them have a convenient way to dump discarded devices if you are trying to make extra money.