How to dispose of an old computer

[Lukeee]

Hello. Does anyone know how to safely get rid of an old computer? I've read about people having their information stolen from computers they have thrown away but I am a bit confused about how to prevent this.

 

[jjonn3]

Always remove the hard drive before you get rid of the computer - even if you reformat it information can be retrieved.

 

[Lukeee]

Thanks If I don't want to hold onto the hard drive then what is the best way to destroy it? And is there anything else that needs removing?

 

[PATMAN]

I will have to do the same thing in the next couple of days. I am thinking a sledgehammer may do the trick

 

[Paws]

Here, old electronic machines can be brought back to the point of sale or specific recycling stations. If the computer isn't that old, you could try selling the spare parts except the harddisk.

To dispose of the harddisk:
http://www.justusboys.com/forum/threads/262517-How-to-destroy-a-hard-drive

 

[MattClaimer]

Easy ways I know of to disable the drive: drive nails through it or screws or drill large holes through it. (safety goggles are a good idea if you choose to do the drilling method)

Or you can go a little more in depth and pop the case, either use a large flat-head screwdriver to pry it open, or by a TORX wrench to remove the screws, then once inside, what you're looking to do, is make the drive's platters unspinnable.

Once the case is open, get at the platters and sand them, grind them, whatever. Once you're sure they'll never spin again, you're good to go as far as your data being unretrievable and you can head to recycling the whole machine.

Call around for "technology recyclers" or electronics recyclers in your area and take the whole thing to one of them, and they'll dispose of it accordingly.

 

[MattClaimer]

I did this . . .

Uhm yep, that'd pretty much do it.