Chris Rodinis
http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/disposing-of-an-old-laptop-what-to-recycle-what-to-keep/?utm_campaign=newsletter&utm_source=2012-04-04
Like the old saying goes, one man’s trash is another man’s treasure. Turns out that would be true if you let go of the old laptop you no longer use.
Want more value out of your computer hardware? Re-purpose it after its original purpose has faded. One use for components is to keep them as a spare. Or perhaps you are interested in do it yourself tech and have a project underway.
Of course you know if you turn your laptop into an e-waste recycler they will be able to get value by “recovering” the platinum, gold, silver and copper inside.
So by now you might be wondering, how hard can it be to get a little extra value out of an old laptop? Or how much trouble is it to collect the components?
Greener Laptops Needed
Because true green manufacturing has not been forced upon the big brands they each have their own method as to the configuration of components.
Since that is the case, the information in this post may or may not suit your needs. Read more to find out!
Another paradox is that even if you can easily remove parts, the odds are that you may never use them because technology changes so fast that newer laptops would not be compatible with old components.
Some resources to check into before you cannibalize your laptop the owner’s manual, the manufacturer’s online information or a Google search of the model number.
As far at the battery, you are probably going to have to recycle it properly.
Most batteries in laptops are specifically made for that model and none other. And comparably replacing them is not cheap. Which may be an opportunity for you.
In other words, there is a slim chance you can sell it on Craigslist or Ebay. The price would vary depending on the conditions.
Parts for Sale?
Now about that power supply; their treatment is similar to the battery treatment.
Again the connectors are always made differently so reusing it is unlikely but selling it is not!
If the sale fails at least hold on to the cable for future repurposing.
You never know it may very well be compatible with another device.
If you are skilled at replacing RAM then memory slots should not be too challenging to you.
RAM differs in storage capacity(GB), speed (MHz), and shape (DDR2/DDR3)
Note that there are many different types RAM.
The good new is that memory, though constantly improving remains stable as far as compatibility between similar devices.
Since memory technology doesn’t change that often, you might have other devices that can use the old laptop’s RAM.
From the Make-use-of guide: “doubled my netbook’s RAM from 1GB to 2GB with the old 2GB memory stick from my laptop, when I upgraded my laptop with a new 8GB RAM kit.”
And:”If you no longer have any productive use for those old memory sticks, either try to sell them or build your own RAM disk .”
Reuse or Recycle Only
As far as the hard drive, that is not a money-maker.
Best use store something that might have late use like pictures or music.
If you let it go make sure the data is permanently erased.
By an 2.5’’ USB case and you can turn it into an external drive.
Your CMOS battery is not worth reselling, however, if it is still good you can use it in other devices. Like all batteries and some foods, store in dry cool spot.
Optical drives? See hard drives.
Displays can be tricky to remove so be careful. Displays have resale value.
If the CPU is not permanently attached to the main board, then it will have value when removed.
Here is more handy advice from the article:
“Please don’t simply trash your partially plundered laptop.”
“Whatever is left of it still contains valuable resources that can be recovered in a recycling process.”
“Worldwide, many companies and stores take back old electronics and make sure they get recycled.”
For more information on recycling your computer or electronic waste please visit: