Did you know that even with a high-end laptop, you can only expect it to last about 7 years? If you’re hitting the 5-year mark, then you might be noticing a decline in yours.
You’re now eyeing a newer, sleeker laptop, but there’s also the issue of getting rid of your old one. Instead of throwing it into a landfill, you need to do laptop recycling!
Here are some dos and don’ts you need to follow to ensure you dispose of your laptop safely.
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When you recycle your laptop, you’d expect it not to be in use anymore. But you never know if it might fall into the wrong hands!
Take the extra step to deauthorize all accounts on the laptop. This can also decrease any confusion your new device might have about logins on other devices.
Do: Factory Reset Your Laptop
Before you do anything, back up everything on your laptop first. You might not think you need that data now, but it’s better to be safe than to be sorry. Once you wipe it, there’s no going back!
Once everything’s safely off your laptop, factory reset it. That way, if someone decides to use it, they won’t have access to your sensitive data.
Don’t: Leave the Battery In
Most laptop batteries are made with harmful chemicals, such as lithium. So if you can, take out the battery and put it into a lined container.
If you have a laptop that doesn’t give you battery access, you’ll want to package it extra well to prevent the battery from accidentally activating or even leaking from damage.
Don’t: Throw Your Laptop in the Trash
This might seem obvious, seeing as you’re looking for ways to recycle, not trash your laptop. But many people don’t understand that you can’t just throw your devices away in the regular trash bin. And this includes your recycle bin too!
You need to give your laptop to a dedicated e-waste recycler, as they’ll be able to break down the parts in a safe way.
You might now be wondering about where to recycle laptops. Well, the good news is, it shouldn’t be hard to find a laptop recycling program, whether it’s online or off!
For example, e-wasteonline.com takes electronics off your hands and recycles them in a compliant way. Some stores also take electronics for recycling, such as Staples and Best Buy. At the very least, they should take your batteries.
Practice Good Laptop Recycling
By practicing good laptop recycling, you’ll ensure that your electronics don’t pollute the environment. Not only that, but you’ll also make sure that your data is safe and won’t fall into the wrong hands.
So good luck and we hope you purchase a nice new laptop that’ll come with bells and whistles that’ll serve you well for years to come!
If you liked learning about how to recycle your old laptop, then find more green tips on our blog page now!
