BOOKHAM SENIORS COMPUTER CLUB

User Guides - Recycling and Disposing of Old Computing Equipment and Accessories


Floppy Disks


Most local councils do not include floppy disks on their list of recyclable objects and there doesn't seem to be anywhere in the UK that will accept them for recycling.


Before you put them in your waste bin consider making something else out of them such as a pencil pot, planter or even a model of the Starship Enterprise. You will find ideas by searching the Internet.


Remember your floppy disks are likely to contain data so you should wipe them or destroy them before disposal.



CDs, DVDs and Blu-rays


Surrey County Council's website currently says CDs and DVDs, as well as their cases, cannot be recycled.


If they are genuine, original versions of commercial music, videos, games or software and are in good condition consider giving them to friends, family, local charity shops or jumble sales. You could give then away on Freecycle or sell them on eBay or Gumtree or similar websites.


Before you put them in your waste bin consider using them for something else such as a bird scarer or coaster. You will find ideas by searching the Internet.


If your CD or DVD contains data you should destroy it by physically damaging the surface or cutting it into two with scissors or a paper cutter before disposal. Never try to destroy a disc by bending it as it may shatter into dangerous shards of polycarbonate.



Laptops


Assuming you have decided that you really need to get rid of your laptop rather than upgrading it, there are number of options open to you including re-purposing, donating or recycling it. Currently this article does not cover upgrading, re-purposing or recycling an old laptop.


if you wish to donate your old laptop Bookham Seniors Computer Club (BSCC) may be able to help you. In the past we have refurbished old laptops and passed them on to local families and children in need and are currently providing some to Ukrainian families to help them and their children study, work and learn English.


If you have an old laptop you would like to donate it, please get in touch via our Contact us page.


BSCC will ensure that all Apps and data are permanently removed from the laptop's storage device before passing it on.