According to the Environmental Protection Agency, more than 250 million computers will become obsolete in the next five years—many ending up in landfills—but it doesn’t mean that old technology is worthless. Many organizations and people, from charities to identity thieves, would love to get their hands on discarded computers, and Hawaii’s BBB offers the following advice on how to dispose of an old computer safely and securely.
Simply tossing a computer out with the trash is a bad idea for two reasons. Not only does a computer store personal and financial information that a consumer wouldn’t want getting into the hands of ID thieves, but it is also composed of heavy metals and toxins that are extremely hazardous to the environment.
Selling an old computer as-is is one choice, but given that technology becomes obsolete so quickly, getting much money for it can be difficult. There are also recycling services that will take old computers and either refurbish them or take them apart and dispose of the non-valuable pieces properly.
Another option is donating old computers to charity. The donation is tax deductible and it can help a good cause. Hawaii’s BBB charity directory has information on more than 120 local charities that may make good use of your old computer.
Regardless of whether someone plans to donate an old computer to charity, sell it or send it off to be recycled, it’s important that they completely erase all personal data and information from the computer in order to prevent ID theft. Simply deleting files or reformatting the hard drive is not enough since someone with a basic understanding of computers will still be able to retrieve key information.
There are several free software programs available for download online that will erase—or wipe—information effectively enough to prevent ID theft. Also, many operating systems and some anti-virus software already come with a wiping feature. Keep in mind that data on personal computers is never completely erased and the only way to completely wipe out information is to physically destroy the hard drive.
For more advice you can trust on ID theft prevention and for guidance on what to do if your identity is stolen, start at bbb.org.