What Should I Do With My Old Laptop?

Don't let that old laptop collect dust. From secure data wipe to certified recycling, here's exactly what to do with a laptop you no longer need.

Old laptops are one of the most commonly mishandled e-waste items. They're too valuable to simply trash, yet too old or broken to sell -- so they pile up in storage rooms and desk drawers, their hard drives containing years of sensitive information.

First, determine if the laptop still has value. Machines less than five years old with functional screens and keyboards often have resale value. Sites like eBay, Craigslist, or local Facebook Marketplace can fetch a modest return depending on specs. If selling, perform a full factory reset and verify the drive is wiped.

For corporate laptops, the stakes are higher. Company-owned devices likely contain confidential emails, credentials, VPN configurations, and proprietary data. A factory reset is not sufficient -- use DoD-grade overwrite software or opt for physical drive destruction. MicroAnt can pick up bulk corporate laptops and provide certified destruction with serial-number-level documentation.

If the laptop is truly dead, it still has value as raw materials: aluminum chassis, copper wiring, circuit board metals, and the battery's lithium are all recyclable. Never put lithium batteries in household trash -- they are a fire hazard.

MicroAnt's free pickup service covers laptop quantities of 10 or more for Chicago-area businesses. For smaller quantities, our drop-off partner accepts individual items. Either way, you'll receive a certificate confirming proper processing.