Old Computer Disposal
 

Where can I dispose of a 7 year old desktop computer / monitor ?

You can take it to Best Buy.

If you live near Rolling Acres road, there is a convenience(recycling) center not far from 466 that took electronics or at least did the last time I was there about 8 months ago. This is ostensibly for Lake residents and while I live in Lake, I've never been asked for ID at that place over a dozen trips.

There is a similar place a bit further south, but I've never been there.

It could be repurposed. Load Linux Mint and give it to a family that can't afford a computer. Linux is an open source operating system (like Windows or Mac) but doesn't bug you with updates (you do them, or not when you want). Linux Mint "feels" like Windows 7 or XP without all the problems.

With Windows 11 new requirements I expect we'll see more and more "old" PCs being thrown away.

Between Belleview and Ocala on the right is an electronics recycle place. Can't remember name.

I suggest that before getting rid of any computer, you remove the hard drive and either keep it in a safe place or destroy it. I don't see much need of keeping it.

You don't have to be a computer whiz to do this. Just open up the case and remove the metal case that's about the size and shape of an old 8-track tape. Here's what a new one looks like.

Lenovo 1TB 7200 rpm Serial ATA Hard Drive | Lenovo US

If you've used your computer to file your taxes, do banking business, or credit card transactions, then you should destroy the hard drive of old computers. Otherwise, someone could remove it and gain access to your data.

After removing them, I usually drive a screwdriver through them in a couple of places using a hammer with the drive laid on a brick or solid board. Then, smash the heck out of them with a big hammer. You could also stick a strong magnet against them, set them on fire, and/or drown them.

The last hard drive I destroyed a few years ago, I set the computer (minus the hard drive) out front for the trash man to pick up. Before the trash man even got there, someone came along and picked up the computer and took it. I suppose they were disappointed when they opened the computer and the hard drive was missing. :)

If I saw it I would take it and if it still had the hard drive I would reformat it with Linux Mint and give the computer to some kid that could it. If the drive was missing I have old drives with Linux on them and just install them, then give it away.

Yes, but not everyone who sees an old computer sitting by the curb or in a trash bin has good intentions.

I have a laptop interested in it to give away?

NSCUDD policy on bulk trash pickup that includes electronics.

Curbside and Bulk Pick Up Information

For residents living in Village Community Development Districts 1-11,
located in Sumter County, Marion County and The Villages of Fruitland Park the
following items can be placed in your regular household waste pick up:
• Lamps
• Plastic Chairs
• Ceiling fans (blades must be removed)
• Brooms
• Pallets
• Carpeting and/or padding (No larger than 4’ x 4’ & less than 40 lbs.)

A Bulk Item Pick-Up will need to be scheduled for larger items such
as:
• Microwave and small kitchen appliances
• Office chairs/desk chairs/kitchen chairs
• 2-burner grills
• Flat screen TV’s
• Ironing boards
• Electronics (computers, stereo equipment, monitors…)
• Furniture (oversized chairs, mattresses, box springs, etc.
• Appliances (washer, dryer, dishwasher, refrigerator)
• Lawn Mowers
• Exercise Equipment
• Homeowner ONLY generated remodeling debris (sinks, toilets, carpeting,
lumber…) All Contractors are required to remove all debris
from their jobs. This includes lawn maintenance, tree
trimmers, builders, carpet installers, roofers, etc.

To schedule a bulk pick up, call (352) 748-0109. There will be a $10 charge added
to your utilities and amenities bill each time a bulk pick up is requested. Charges
will apply for any scheduled pick up not canceled a minimum of 24 hours in
advance of the scheduled date

Smashed ours into little pieces with a sledgehammer, being sure to completely destroy the hard drive, and put it out with the rest of the trash.

I bet there's still pieces that you've yet to find from that!!!

Trashing old Computers just scares the hell out of me especially with all my personnel information on it.

Recommend the Ted 2 method

language warning but its hilarious

Ted 2 - John's Laptop Scene - YouTube

Just disassemble your hard drives or SSDs. A set of torx wrenches is all you need.

Break the hard drive platters or crunch the chips in an SSD with pliers.

No one is ever recovering that.

As the SSD or hard drive is very small, I would recommend keeping it to have a backup of old information found on that drive. I hate to lose old pictures and files I created long ago. Always good to have many backups of your data files. There are many easy ways to access the information on the old hard drive. If you can't, a computer store can. Remember to place a date on the old hard drive to help find the correct one if you have many as I do.