Recycling an old laptop instead of throwing it in the trash is a simple and effective way to protect the environment. A trashed laptop will end up in a landfill where its toxins can spread to the air, soil, and groundwater. However, before you head to a laptop recycling center, you’ll need to take a few important steps to protect your data.

How to Prepare for Laptop Recycling 

1. Delete the Browser History

Most internet browsers, such as Google Chrome™, Mozilla Firefox®, and Safari®, save a history of visited websites along with associated usernames and passwords. In case your recycled device falls into the wrong hands, you should clear the history to prevent access to any personal information.

For most browsers, you can find an option to clear the history in the settings menu. You may be asked to check boxes indicating which information you want to be deleted, including cookies, passwords, or cached images. Check every box to ensure all of your information is protected.

2. Wipe the Hard Drive 

A hard drive contains all of your documents, photos, videos, and other information you wouldn’t want a stranger to access. Before wiping it, transfer any important files to an external hard drive, your new computer, or an online cloud backup service. If you have a Windows® laptop, click on Settings, Update & Security, and Recovery. Below the Reset This PC field, click Get Started, Remove Everything, Next, and, finally, Reset.

If you have a Macbook®, turn it on and immediately hold down the Command and R keys. Release them when the startup screen appears. On the Utilities window, choose Disk Utility. Click the menu bar, then View, followed by Show All Devices. Click on the disk at the top of the list, and choose Erase.

3. Encrypt the Data

Encrypting data makes the information on your computer unreadable to anyone who doesn’t have the decryption password. If you have a Macbook, you can encrypt the data by clicking on System Preferences, then Security & Privacy, followed by FileVault®. Choose Turn On FileVault, create an encryption password, and restart your laptop.

If you’re working with Windows, click on Settings, About, and—depending on which option appears—either Drive Encryption or Bitlocker® Settings. Encrypt your data by following the prompts.

Once you’ve prepared your laptop, turn it over to the team at Denver Metal Recycling. This company makes it easy for Denver, CO, residents to discard electronics, scrap vehicles, and recycle various other forms of metal. As an affiliate of the Environmental Protection Agency, they’re committed to disposing of all items in a safe and eco-friendly manner. Learn more about their services online, and call (303) 316-2880 to discuss your laptop recycling needs with a friendly team member.