Around 80% of households own a laptop or desktop computer. And if you’re honest with yourself, you likely have more than a few old devices gathering dust in a drawer somewhere.
All these old laptops, desktops, smartphones, and other pieces of tech might be past-it to you, but they could create a lot of value elsewhere.
And if you have an old laptop you don’t need anymore, there are tons of things you can do with it. This guide will give you ideas on what to do with your old laptop so that it doesn’t end up in a landfill.
Keep as a Backup or a Guest Laptop
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You might not think you need your old laptop anymore, but it is worth having a backup in case yours breaks.
If you often work from home, having quick access to a computer is essential. And if you spill coffee on your current laptop, having a spare could turn a disaster into a somewhat annoying incident.
Or, if you have friends and family to stay over on a regular basis, you could keep a spare laptop for them to use.
It doesn’t matter if your old laptop runs on old tech because you could refurbish or update the software for them. Don’t know how to do that? Learn how here.
Donate Your Old Laptop Computers
Everything happens online nowadays. Utility bills, job applications, housing applications, and so much more. If someone is down on their luck and they want to get back on their feet, having a laptop to use could change their life.
Donate your old computer, or laptop computer, to a homeless charity. Try the National Alliance to End Homelessness or Coalition for the Homeless.
Sell or Trade In Your Old Laptops
Do you only keep old laptops, or old laptop computers, for one or two years? And do you only buy the latest, high-quality tech? Then, you could stand to make a decent amount of money if you sell your old laptop.
You could try your luck listing it on Facebook Marketplace, eBay, or Craigslist. Or, sell it to a buying/selling platform like Decluttr, Fye, or Gazelle for a quick deal.
Recycle Your Old Computer or Laptop
Or, are you the complete opposite? Do you keep your laptop for over five years and only buy a new one when parts start falling off? You might not be able to get much money if you sell your laptop, but you can recycle it.
If you throw your laptop in the trash, it will end up in your city dump. This is a huge waste because your laptop likely has some solid, reusable parts.
Check your local Target or supermarket has a tech recycling point. Or, contact Call2Recycle or Earth911 to see if you can send them your laptop to recycle.
Give Your Old Laptop a New Lease of Life
Whatever you decide to do with your old laptop, any option is better than hoarding it. You could either end up helping out a stranger, a friend, your wallet, or the environment. Win-win!
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