Refurbished laptops and computers help students, job seekers and families get online. Nonprofit refurbishers wipe the data, repair what they can and recycle the rest.
Before you go
Back up your files and sign out of your accounts before donating.
Include the charger and power cords; they make a computer much more useful.
Ask whether the program wipes data and provides a certificate if that matters to you.
Laptops from the last several years are the most likely to be refurbished.
Not accepted: mattresses and box springs; large household appliances; air conditioners; cribs, car seats, strollers, playpens; carpet and padding; hazardous chemicals and paint
Not accepted: cribs and strollers; desktop computers and tube TVs; IKEA, homemade or damaged furniture, futons; hospital beds and most medical equipment; building materials; built-in appliances, water heaters
Pickup: Pickup can be scheduled at 512-416-0607 or 1-800-728-7825 (satruck.org); items must be resalable
Not accepted: large and built-in appliances; cribs, strollers and car seats; damaged or modular furniture; hospital beds; stained or torn mattresses; tube TVs and desktop computers
Pickup: Yes - free pickup of resalable items; call (361) 851-0723 or 1-800-SA-TRUCK
These take donations from anywhere in the country, by mail, at partner drop-off points, or through local chapters. Check each one's rules first.
NationwideFree pickupCall to confirm
Human-I-T
How: Ship at your own cost, drop off at the Bell, CA warehouse, or request pickup through the online form.
Rules: Drives are wiped to NIST 800-88 or physically destroyed, with a Certificate of Data Destruction. Tax-deductible receipt provided. 'Qualifying' for pickup isn't defined; call to confirm.
Almost anything with a plug except appliances: laptops, desktops, tablets, smartphones, monitors, printers, networking equipment, working or broken
Not accepted: Appliances
Pickup: Yes - free pickup for qualifying donations (they contact you within 48 hours; scheduling takes about 2 weeks)
How: Contact or drop off at the nearest PCs for People location.
Rules: Locations: Atlanta, Baltimore, Cleveland, Cook County IL, Denver, Greater St. Louis, Hampton VA, Kansas City, Mankato MN, Philadelphia, Seattle, St. Paul. Laptops from about the past 8-10 years can usually be refurbished. Data securely wiped. 501(c)(3). Call to confirm a device qualifies.
How: Fill out the online form to get a free prepaid QR code, box the device and drop it at a participating FedEx or Walgreens location.
Rules: Devices are wiped, refurbished for families in need, or recycled. 10+ computers go through the business program. The org's own site needs JavaScript and its donation details couldn't be read; process confirmed on Digitunity's donation page. Confirm on the site before shipping.