manaemedia / Shutterstock.com Computers Alternative ways to recycle Illegal in Garbage & Drains Contains Mercury E-Waste manaemedia / Shutterstock.com You can dispose of computers and computer monitors for free at E-waste recycling sites in San Luis Obispo County. Several local businesses and organizations also accept computers for reuse, refurbishment or recycling. Ben’s Computer Outlet 983 West Grand Avenue, Grover Beach, CA | (805) 489-0222Hours: Monday – Friday 9am – 6pm, Saturday 9am – 4pmMap & DirectionsAccepts computers and related equipment. No monitors. Call first. Captain Nemo Comics563 Higuera Street, San Luis Obispo, CA | (805) 544-6366Hours: Monday – Saturday 10am – 9pm, Sundays 11am – 6pmMaps & DirectionsAccepts used computers, software and accessories. No monitors. Exploration Discovery Center*Accepts computer towers, laptops, televisions, computer monitors, Christmas lights, wire, printers. The Center welcomes members of the community to visit on the 1st Saturday of each month for “Electric Saturdays” where they provide electronic equipment (laptops, desktop computers, televisions, computer monitors, printers) in working order to members of our community for a small donation. Proceeds used to fund community events at the Exploration Discovery Center.867 Ramona Ave, Grover Beach, CA | (805) 473-1421Hours: Monday – Saturday 10am-5pm | MUST CHECK IN at front officeMap & Directions NCI Affiliates, Inc.1625 Commerce Way, Paso Robles, CA | (805) 434-3811Hours: Monday – Friday 8:30am – 4:00pmMap & DirectionsAccepts computers, monitors, keyboards and other electronics. PIck-up available for a fee. Never Throw in the Trash Computers contain many metals like mercury, arsenic and lead that are harmful to human health and the environment. Never throw them in the trash because they can leach into the water and soil. Remove Your Personal Information Before recycling your computer or tablet, make sure you remove all sensitive and personal information from it first. Deleting files won’t do the trick; you’ll need to completely wipe your hard drive. Learn more from Brown University and Stanford. Alternative Ways to Recycle HP Hardware Recycling HP accepts computer and electronics hardware from various manufacturers for free mail-in recycling. Request a mail-back label here. Best Buy's Electronics and Appliances Recycling Program Best Buy will recycle old computers and many other home electronics for free; they also offer a trade-in program for more desired electronics. They accept up to three items per day from each household. Find a location. Staples' Take Back Program Staples offers free, in-store recycling for unwanted electronics, including desktop computers, tablets, monitors, printers, and other electronics. Locate your nearest Staples. Apple Store Gift Card Apple runs a reuse and recycling program for unwanted iPhones, iPads, Mac or PC computers and displays. Depending on the condition of your electronics, Apple can give you credit if they have monetary value. Find out more. Microsoft Trade-In and Recycling Program Trade in old devices, game consoles or games for Microsoft store credit or cash. Gazelle Trade-In Program Gazelle purchases used Apple computers, iPods, cell phones and tablets, then refurbishes or recycles them for future use. Get a quote for your item, ship it free of charge and receive payment as soon as they’ve inspected it. Find out more. InterConnection Charitable Reuse & Recycling Donate laptops and smartphones less than 7 years old to InterConnection’s Charitable Computer Reuse and Recycling program. Laptops must be able to turn on, and smartphones cannot have a broken screen. Hard drives will be wiped as soon as items are received. Download a free shipping label here. Ways to Reduce Buy Used or Refurbished Instead of buying a brand new computer, consider buying a used or refurbished model. Most major computer retailers sell refurbished computers, such as Apple, Dell, HP, Lenovo and Best Buy. Many online stores like Amazon, eBay, Newegg and TigerDirect also sell used and refurbished devices. Did You Know? The Problem of E-Waste E-waste is a dangerous business in India and China, where e-waste recycling plants release toxic chemicals into the air and cause health problems for recycling workers. To learn more about e-waste, check out The Story of Stuff Project. How Computers Are Recycled