How to Prepare a Computer or Laptop for Recycling

Step 1: Back up the files you want to keep

Start by deciding what is worth saving. Most people think of photos and documents, but it is easy to forget tax returns stored as PDFs, scanned receipts, saved email archives, browser bookmarks, and files sitting on the desktop or in the downloads folder.

The FTC suggests a few ways to save your information: transfer it directly to your new computer, copy it to an external hard drive or USB flash drive, or upload it to a cloud storage service. If you use cloud storage, turn on multi-factor authentication for that account.

Before you erase anything, open a few of the backed-up files on another device to confirm the copy actually worked. Once the drive is wiped, there is no getting them back.

Step 2: Sign out, deauthorize, and turn off device locks

A computer stays tied to your accounts until you untie it. Taking a few minutes here prevents headaches for you and for whoever handles the machine next.

• Sign out of email, cloud storage, browser sync, and messaging apps.
• Deauthorize the computer in any software, music, or app store that limits how many devices you can use.
• Turn off device-finding or activation-lock features so the machine is not locked to your account after you let it go.
• Remove the computer from your account's list of trusted devices, if the service keeps one.
• Write down any software license keys you plan to reuse on a new machine.

Step 3: Erase the drive properly

The FTC is clear that deleting files and emptying the recycle bin does not remove them — deleted data can often be recovered. To actually remove your information, use the computer's built-in reset or erase feature with the option that removes everything, or use reputable disk-wiping software.

For businesses and anyone handling sensitive records, NIST publishes Guidelines for Media Sanitization (SP 800-88), which explain how to choose sanitization methods, such as cryptographic erase and secure erase, based on how sensitive the information is.

If the computer still works

Run the operating system's reset or erase process and choose the option that removes all files and apps, not the one that keeps your files. Look up the exact steps on your operating system maker's support site, because menus change between versions.

If the computer will not turn on

You can still protect your data by removing the storage drive. In most desktop towers the drive is easy to reach; in laptops it varies, and some have storage built into the board. Keep the removed drive, connect it to another computer to wipe it, or have it destroyed by a provider that offers that service.

Step 4: Check the battery and remove the extras

The EPA advises removing batteries from electronics before recycling when you can, because they may need to be recycled separately, and says lithium-ion batteries and devices that contain them should not go in household garbage or recycling bins. Most laptops use lithium-ion batteries.

Look at the laptop closely. If the case is bulging, the trackpad is lifting, or the battery is cracked or leaking, stop charging it and keep it away from anything flammable. Our guide on handling old batteries safely walks through what to do next.

• Pop out discs, USB drives, and SD or memory cards.
• If the battery is removable and intact, take it out and put tape over the terminals.
• Gather the power cord, docking station, keyboard, and mouse so everything leaves together.
• Remove loose batteries from wireless keyboards and mice.

Where an old computer can go

If the computer still works, it may have another life. The EPA notes that manufacturers and retailers offer options to donate or recycle electronics, and it points to locator sites such as Call2Recycle and Earth911 for finding them.

City of Mobile residents can drop off computers, including components and accessories, in the electronics bins at the City's three recycling drop-off centers. Our guide to electronics drop-off in Mobile explains who qualifies and what the City accepts.

If you have a heavy desktop tower, several machines, or a mix of monitors and printers, Zoiris can pick them up through our computer recycling service — our crew does the lifting and carrying. We do not wipe drives or destroy data, so please finish Steps 1 through 3 before your pickup. Laptops must have intact batteries.

Quick checklist

Run through this list before the computer leaves your home or office:

• Files backed up and spot-checked on another device
• Signed out of accounts and device-finding turned off
• Drive erased with a remove-everything reset or wiping tool — or drive removed
• Discs, USB sticks, and memory cards removed
• Battery inspected: no swelling, cracks, or leaks
• Power cords and accessories gathered together

Common questions