Tech Column

Not So Fast
Make your loss another’s gain by recycling your computer instead of dumping it in the trash.

words by > Lee Gimpel

Out with the old, in with the new. ‘Tis the season we all hope to get a new, hip iPod to replace the old, not-quite-as-hip iPod. For businesses, though, upgrading from not-so-fast computers to super speedy ones doesn’t usually happen in a flurry of holiday buying, but as the need arises, independent of the shopping elves. Yet no matter when we decide to move up with technology, there is always a lot of stuff left over collecting dust. Simply tossing that wheezing server in the trash may be satisfying (remember the cathartic printer-bashing scene in Office Space?), but it’s not the best option. And increasingly it won’t be an option at all, given the march of environmental regulations regarding e-waste.

So, what should I be doing?
Recycling old technology not only helps the environment and clears out clutter, it can mean a tax write-off , too. And perhaps most importantly, jettisoning technology the right way means that a trash diver won’t score big with megabytes of confidential data you forgot to erase.

Okay, where do I start?
If you’ve got a lot of computers to recycle, consider bringing in a technology recycling company like Jackson, MS-based Intechra (www.intechra.com), which charges between $15 and $30 per machine depending on a number of factors—notably, how much work must be done to clean the drives of old data.

Can I delete sensitive data myself?
Yes. You need to use disk cleaning soft ware that scours your Internet cache, cookies, emails, documents and the like. You want the data to be overwritten so it can’t be recovered. Disk Wiper gives you a blank slate and comes in two flavors: a personal product for $29.95 and military security strength for $149.95 (www.disk-wiper.net).

Can I give my computer away?
If you want to donate a computer, Microsoft recommends not deleting the pre-installed Windows operating system, so charities won’t need to buy a new license. Try a product like SecureClean ($39.95 at www.whitecanyon.com) or Internet Cleanup for Mac ($29.99 at www.allume.com) to really delete everything you’ve deleted before—just emptying your trash bin doesn’t fully delete files—but keep the operating system. Remember to include the extras that came with your equipment when you donate it. Th is includes accessories like cables and keyboards, and original soft ware as well as documentation and manuals.

And if I don’t want any hassle?
TechSoup maintains a list of organizations that will take equipment off your hands and put it in the donation pipeline; find one near you at www.techsoup.org/ products/recycle. eBay proposes trying to sell the technology first, but provides other alternatives through its Rethink program (rethink.ebay.com).