What to do with an old laptop or PC?

So you’ve bought yourself a new PC or a snazzy new Laptop, installed all the new programs and had a good play around with it. Then it dawns on you, what about your old machine, how are you going to get rid of it?

With technology improving at a tremendous pace, we find ourselves upgrading/updating our Laptops and PCs on a very regular basis. This has resulted in a lot of electrical appliance waste being produced that needs to be disposed of appropriately and with the minimal adverse effects on the environment.

Recycle electrical goods

Electrical waste needs an appropriate collection and treatment route. For household equipment, check the retailer’s take-back arrangements or your local council’s electrical recycling service. Eligibility and accepted items vary. See the government’s WEEE guidance for background.

If the equipment cannot be reused, check a suitable recycling route before taking it to a collection point. Businesses can contact LCWC with photos and quantities to confirm which items we can collect and request a free quote. Our collections are a paid service.

Freecycle unwanted electronic goods

If you are feeling generous and believe someone else can still make use of your unwanted item, then put it on one of the the many available Freecycle sites. Simply list your item or items, with your rough location so someone local can come and collect it and take it away for you.

Sell it on

New electrical items can be expensive, why not recuperate some of it by selling on your old ones? Your old electrical item may not be of value to you now, but it might be what other people are looking for so why not put it on sites such as Gumtree or eBay.

Personal Data

Back up anything you need before preparing a laptop or PC for reuse or recycling. Simply deleting files or passwords is not a reliable way to securely erase stored data. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your device and the NCSC guidance on secure sanitisation of storage media.

For business equipment, agree the handling of data-bearing devices with your IT team or a specialist provider before collection. LCWC can arrange data destruction through a specialist partner; confirm the scope and any certificate requirements before booking.

For unwanted computers and office electrical equipment from a business, see our WEEE collection and recycling service in London. Send photos, item quantities, your collection postcode and access details through the service page quote form.