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.
new or like-new small furniture (tables, chairs, couches, lamps)
new linens, towels, pillows
Not accepted: mattresses, box springs, bed frames; large appliances; large furniture (dressers, bookcases, entertainment centers); everyday clothing; older computers and TVs
Pickup: Furniture pickup available with a $50 contribution
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.