Computer Recycling

I have a box of ancient/old computer components, some of which wouldn't be suitable for refurbished computers.

Most 'computer recycling' places actually seem to be computer re-use places (which is good) and accept only fairly new parts that they can use for refurbishing computers.

Does anyone know of a place that will accept any old junk? A general electronics graveyard? I've tried Googling but I don't really know which category such a place would fall under. Any pointers much appreciated.

Collectors of usable equipment will typically pay you.

For graveyard equipment you'll usually pay them for the collection.

If that's ok I'll send you a list.

Where are the machines located?

What'cha got? I'm always on the scrounge for old PC bits, even if it just means matching up old parts that I have and making working machines.

I don't even know what half the cards are any more! An ancient motherboard, probably old graphics and sound cards, but be warned, it's mostly at least six years old--unless that's within your age limit.

I agree, making working machines is fun no matter how old.

Collectors of usable equipment will typically pay you.

For graveyard equipment you'll usually pay them for the collection.

If that's ok I'll send you a list.

Where are the machines located?

They're not full machines, just bits and bobs--I could take it to somewhere in London easily, as it would all fit into two panniers. A list would be useful, thanks! And it's definitely graveyard equipment.

How about we make a list here, and see what we can build from the scrap. Any working machines that we can cobble together could then be donated to a Worthy Cause™.

Haha, that could get massive. I'd be up for it, but it'll take me a while to get my list together. Feel free to get it started if you have something that you want to throw into the pot.

6 years is nothing - my main machine at home is a 5 year old mobo.

Actually, some of the stuff I think comes from a computer I had around 1996. It didn't take up much space, so I didn't notice I still had it until recently.

I've set up a computer from 2000 as webserver to play about on. As long as you are not running some bloated Windows old P.Cs can be used for lots of uses from servers to beowulf cluster especially if you just want to experiment / try theroies out.

If I'm right in thinking that you're a Hackney resident then you can go to Waltham Forest Recycling Centre with computer equipment.

Otherwise, check on the recycle for London website.

I have an old complete PC with 17" screen, not flatscreen obviously. Summing like Pentium 133, 20GB hard drive. Free to anyone how wants it.

I have 4 Pentium processors and when I get home I can post up what they are exactly but they range between P4 2.5 to P4 2.8 a couple of USB KVM switches and I have one complete IBM PC (base unit only) sat at home P4 2.4 or 2.8 I believe in a large form factor case XT type that can go to a good home but I would need a couple of beer tokens for it.

A Dell laptop D420 but this one will be up for sale soonish.

http://www.wasteonline.org.uk/resources/InformationSheets/ComputerRecyclersRefurbishers.htm#7

On this London List I've used:

#3 - Computer Aid International - For donations of working equipment.

#15 - Offers/Ex IT - For disposal of old or broken equipment.

They were both used for large corporate recycling and disposals.

If it's a personal collection or small quantities you may need to select another from the list.

http://www.wasteonline.org.uk/resources/InformationSheets/ComputerRecyclersRefurbishers.htm#7

On this London List I've used:

#3 - Computer Aid International - For donations of working equipment.

#15 - Offers/Ex IT - For disposal of old or broken equipment.

They were both used for large corporate recycling and disposals.

If it's a personal collection or small quantities you may need to select another from the list.

Many thanks for the tips, TSK and Dwayne. I'll give LBWF a call in the first instance. I had found the list you link to, Dwayne, but I was unsure if any of them fitted the bill. My stuff probably still works but is ancient, and it is most definitely a small quantity/personal collection.

You could always offer it for free on Freecycle. I've seen all manner of things advertised including vitamin tablets and pipe tobacco.

Can anybody recommend software for wiping clean a PC hard drive before I sell on the machine?

Myriad of stuff online, but has anybody used one successfully before I take a punt?

Thx in advance!

Format and reinstall OS. CCleaner can 'cleanse' your empty HDD space by overwriting it with nonsense, hth. Swipe a magnet over it a few times.

Can anybody recommend software for wiping clean a PC hard drive before I sell on the machine?

Myriad of stuff online, but has anybody used one successfully before I take a punt?

Thx in advance!

Google hirens (its a suite of software) and see what comes up on there.

A simple reformat will be enough. Data will always be available to be recovered unless written over many many times.

DBAN
http://www.dban.org/

Can anybody recommend software for wiping clean a PC hard drive before I sell on the machine?

Myriad of stuff online, but has anybody used one successfully before I take a punt?

Thx in advance!

DBAN: boot it and nuke it. As used by IT Professionals* the world over.

Darik's Boot and Nuke ("DBAN") is a self-contained boot disk that securely wipes the hard disks of most computers. DBAN will automatically and completely delete the contents of any hard disk that it can detect, which makes it an appropriate utility for bulk or emergency data destruction.

DBAN is a means of ensuring due diligence in computer recycling, a way of preventing identity theft if you want to sell a computer, and a good way to totally clean a Microsoft Windows installation of viruses and spyware. DBAN prevents or thoroughly hinders all known techniques of hard disk forensic analysis.

DBAN is a free software product that can be used at home or in a business at zero cost. The only official place to obtain DBAN is by download at this web site. We do not sell DBAN media.
http://www.dban.org/

*c.f. Perverts, Spies, International Terrorists, members of the Icelandic Parliament, data privacy advocates, etc etc...

DBAN: boot it and nuke it. As used by IT Professionals* the world over.

http://www.dban.org/

*c.f. Perverts, Spies, International Terrorists, members of the Icelandic Parliament, data privacy advocates, etc etc...

And charities that donate computers to those in need:
http://www.computers4africa.org.uk/index.php/donors/data-wiping.html

I personally think anyone who disposes of a drive without wiping is retarded.

Looks like DBAN then. Thanks!

Another recommendation for DBAN. A normal format can be reversed but it's virtually impossible to reverse a DBAN wipe.

DBAN
http://www.dban.org/

agreed

I bought a piece of kit recently and it had a leaflet included that said to check http://www.recycle-more.co.uk/ to find local electronics recyclers.

A semi-related dredge - does anyone know good places to recycle old mobile phones and possibly an iPod or two? It's things up to c.10 years old, a couple of iPhone 3GSs and some newer Android things. Lots of places seem to offer money (although apparently the 3GS is too ancient to register) but will they actually break down and reuse the metals etc? I'm more interested in a good reuse/avoidance of landfill than getting any cash for the old stuff.

Thanks for any advice!