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What do I do with my old, broken iMac?

It's a G5 from 2004 or so whose capacitors are fried and won't even turn on, and I've already replaced it with a laptop. Could I sell it on craigslist for parts? Or should I just junk it? Also, how can I wipe the data from its hard drive?

sharonc asked in Tech Support 7 months ago | Report

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  • 555_pinout_small
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    Probably just need to recycle it. Here's some info:
    http://blog.questionland.com/free-recycling-computer-parts-in-seattle-wa

    As far as the hard drive is concerned, the safest thing to do is just take it out and destroy it. If you have a very strong magnet then you can use that to wipe anything off the drive permanently.

    Charles B answered in Tech Support 7 months ago | Report
    3 comments by Russ Campbell, NWEBS, asteria, and Black Beetles in Amber…
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  • Img_0767_small
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    I was just looking at gazelle dot com to sell my iphone when I get the new one, and it sounds like they will even pay you for older broken computers. I guess they recycle it and make money from the parts. It's worth checking out.

    S answered in Tech Support 7 months ago | Report
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  • Froggyskull_3_small
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    Can't advise you on wiping the hard drive, but DON'T just pitch it in the trash. Computers are full of toxic chemicals. You should look up recycling services in your area, or keep an eye out for recycling drives.

    One caveat about that: Some recyclers just ship old computers to China, where they still end up in landfills after they've salvaged the usable bits. I don't know if there's a way to research that or not.

    This question has been asked before, and the answers here include some good links.

    Matt from Denver answered in Tech Support 7 months ago | Report
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  • 187632_100000650273391_4773419_n_small
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    If you want to recycle it, I recently dropped off an old TV and some computers at Goods for the Planet.

    http://www.goodsfortheplanet.com/

    "Fees: Computers and Laptops=FREE for E-Cycle Washington eligible groups including residents, small businesses (< 50 employees corporate-wide), school districts (no colleges or universities), charities and non-profit groups.
    "

    Sprucetree Sprucecock answered in Tech Support 6 months ago | Report
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