Many of the hundreds of thousands of used computers taken out of service every year are still perfectly usable and could be passed along to nonprofit organizations, schools, and people with disabilities.

If you have computer equipment to donate, please review our list of computer recycling organizations throughout the US (some international organizations are also listed) that will accept and process it for reuse instead of destruction.
What's the difference between reuse and recycling? Recycling destroys useful equipment before its time. Reuse shares useful equipment with people and organizations in need so they can put it to work for a while longer. Think REUSE FIRST! - See an article by Nikki & David Goldbeck Why Reuse Beats Recycling.
If the items you would like to donate are already in good working order, please review our list of schools, non-profit organizations and individuals with disabilities that are seeking donations.

Places to donate NEWER (4-5 years old) computers for re-use

Non-profit computer reuse organizations - organizations listed in this category are seeking computer equipment donations to refurbish and share with other nonprofit organizations and schools. If you are seeking donations for your organization, contact groups in your local area to see if you qualify for any programs.

Schools and non-profits seeking computer donations

The organizations and individuals listed in this category are seeking donations to use themselves. They don't make donations to other organizations, so please do not contact them to ask for equipment donations. If you have equipment to donate, please review the listings and contact the groups in your local area.

Schools
Non-profit organizations
Individuals with disabilities - Note: deductions can NOT be taken for gifts to individuals.
If you are seeking computer donations, public schools, private non-profit schools, non-profit organizations and individuals with disabilities in the US are eligible for a donation request listing. If you would like a listing, send us an e-mail, explain which category you are in and we'll e-mail you the specific information we need to add your request listing to our website.

Places to recycle OLDER computer equipment

Older computer and electronic equipment that has outlived its useful life should be recycled in a controlled manner to keep toxins in the equipment from damaging the environment.
Computer recycling/salvage companies
Local government electronics recycling
Corporate & computer company recycling projects
Monitor & television demanufacturers

Where to recycle or donate OTHER items

NEWS ITEM - in a Mar. 17, 2008 press release, the U.S. Postal Service announced a free, recycle-by-mail "Mail Back" pilot program. In 10 select areas of the country, you can use free envelopes to mail back inkjet cartridges, PDAs, Blackberries, digital cameras, iPods and MP3 players without having to pay for postage. (locations list)
Battery recycling information
Cell phones
Bikes, books, classrooms supplies, clothing, medical items & more
Printer ink cartridges
Earth 911 - search & find recycling information for your state

Recycling tips, useful web resources and articles

Earth 911 offers a way to find local recycling resources by typing in your zip code.
Recycling facts - here's a good list of excellent reasons to recycle
Tips for donating computer equipment
What you MUST do before donating your computer

Ethical issues in electronics recycling

Please visit the E-Stewards web site for articles about toxic waste and electronics recycling. We agree strongly that used computers, monitors and other electronic equipment should not be shipped overseas for disposal nor should they be incinerated or dumped here at home. To be truly successful, recycling must be done in an environmentally sound manner. We support the Computer Take Back Campaign
Note: All resources are provided in good faith. We are not responsible for the content of any linked website. It's up to you to evaluate the validity and usefulness of any organization.