Dec

2011

2:08pm, EST

Getting new tech? Safely ditch the old

Steve Yeater / AP file

By Suzanne Choney

Yes, you know what's under the tree, don't be sly about it: That new camera, computer or smartphone. But what are you going to do with your old one? If you're not "re-gifting" it to a friend or family member, consider selling it or safely recycling it.

The folks at the Consumer Electronics Association have put together a list of websites to help you choose which route to go. First, though, remember before you sell or recycle a smartphone or computer, to wipe its hard drive so you don't leave any info behind for potential identity thieves.

AccessData, a security firm that works with government agencies and Fortune 500 companies, said it recently ran forensics on "several iPhones and other popular mobile devices purchased from sites like Craigslist, eBay, and from cellular resellers." The company found that while data on the devices "was seemingly wiped clean, they were still able to extract Social Security numbers, financial information, GPS locations, passwords, communications and other information that could be used for ID theft and other criminal activity."

To lessen the chances of that happening, AccessData recommends users do a factory reset of their phones, "sterilize any SD cards, and if possible update or restore the device's operating system. Some devices allow for a complete overwriting of the data as well."

For dealing with computers, PCWorld has a handy video, "How to completely erase hard drive," that may be helpful.

On CES' Greener Gadgets website, you can type in your ZIP code and quickly see what recycling resources are near you. Among the links to recycling programs (in addition to retail companies like Best Buy and Staples) are:

Recyclebank, which "offers a points system for recycling, which you can then use for discounts and merchandise. The site boasts more than 2 million users."
Close the Gap, which "makes reused and refurbished computers available to underprivileged individuals in Africa and other developing countries."
Digital Links, which has "distributed over 50,000 reused computers to the developing world and provided access to technology for over 125,000 individuals."

CES says that a smartphone's "lifespan" is 18 months, while a TV is more than 10 years," and points out other places that might benefit from recycling of those items, especially if they haven't reached their end of service: Local schools, retirement homes or community centers. If you do so, you'll get Santa's goodies, and get to play Santa yourself.

Related stories:

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Explore related topics: technology, recycling, featured

The Barber of Civility

As a technology consultant for homeowners and micro businesses in the North Atlanta are, I sponsor several electronics e-cycling events every year. I encourage everyone to clean out their closets, attics, basements, and garages and bring all their old electronics to me. I bring in a green recycling company that takes all the stuff and makes sure all useable elements are recovered and anything not usable is ground up for maximum decomposition.

In addition, I set up a table with a sledge hammer nearby (for show) and drill out all hard drives that come my way during the events with three holes from a 1/2" drill bit. The holes pass thought all platters and the electronics. The recycling company then takes the drives and shreds them.

My next event in the Atlanta area is on 21 January in Cobb County. For those readers living in the Atlanta area, you can get more information here:

http://tinyurl.com/74qant5

Tell your friends, enemies, and neighbors about the event. I'd like to hit 10 tons this time around!

2 votes

#1 - Thu Dec 22, 2011 4:39 PM EST

Longhair

I remember when people thought cutting down a tree was bad to make paper.

#1.1 - Fri Dec 23, 2011 3:43 AM EST

Michael-267231

I decided to treat myself to a new laptop this week. The old laptop will be given to my brother-in-law, who is my techie. He said he could use another laptop. I'm guessing he'll put in a newer and larger hard drive and other things. I will probably also give him my even older laptop, which has a Pentium MMX in it.

2 votes

#2 - Thu Dec 22, 2011 9:44 PM EST

Me living in Europe

Send it back to China, let them figure what to do with it.

2 votes

#3 - Fri Dec 23, 2011 6:24 AM EST

mddr

Soak it in salt water, throw it away.

1 vote

#4 - Fri Dec 23, 2011 7:47 AM EST

dartatak

Take said device and put it on concrete floor. Take 5 pound sledgehammer and apply to said device repeatedly.

Works every time, and it's a great stress reliever.

1 vote

#5 - Fri Dec 23, 2011 7:56 AM EST

Inuksuk

A 9 mm handgun loaded with full metal jacket bullets will erase a hard drive in 3-4 shots. I tried drilling, but those suckers are called hard for a reason.

2 votes

#6 - Fri Dec 23, 2011 9:52 AM EST

Longhair

I always take the platters out by using either a torx or allen head wrench.

1 vote

#6.1 - Fri Dec 23, 2011 9:56 AM EST

MARK S-971793

i perfer 5.56 mm for those pesky hardrives, p.c.'s&CRT'S , the smaller stuff just gets the microwave

#6.2 - Fri Dec 23, 2011 10:42 AM EST

TWMLLR

So what do I do with my Victrolla when I get my new 8 track player?

4 votes

#7 - Fri Dec 23, 2011 10:10 AM EST

ConservativeNotRepublican

I'm still using smoke signals. But this year, I hope to upgrade to a couple of tin cans connected by a string. Like they say, ya can't stop progress.

#7.1 - Fri Dec 23, 2011 10:56 AM EST

unknowntoyou

hollow tree trunks work best .....ive set up my whole network with them -- we pound outmessages all day long -------great for those long distance conferencing ....lol

#7.2 - Fri Dec 23, 2011 1:20 PM EST

MARK S-971793

haha! the cellphone companies are cunning ,they make you sign a 2 year contract when the avarage lifespan of a smart phone is only 18 months ,thats another way they got you by the balls

#8 - Fri Dec 23, 2011 10:40 AM EST

Epitome of Rationality

Lifespan of 18 months? I've had my phone for about 4 years now and people still tell me it looks brand new (and I do carry it everywhere) Stop being so careless with your things people.

1 vote

#9 - Fri Dec 23, 2011 11:38 AM EST

goatstag

I tried the Zip Code app on the Greener Gadgets website in IE, FireFox and Chrome and it gave an error message "Server error in Application" rather than information.

Great work whomever failed to adequately test it!!!!!

#10 - Fri Dec 23, 2011 12:30 PM EST

Ruffian

The only way to insure that data cannot be retrieved from a hard drive is to melt it, or compress it into a 1/2 inch cube. Three bullet holes or a sledge hammer does not erase the data stored, even a failed hard drive retains data that can be retrieved. Never give away, or sell your system with the hard drive still in it! Simply remove it and then take to a recycler and watch them compress it!

#11 - Fri Dec 23, 2011 12:40 PM EST

MrMetroXFi

Dump it in the ditch behind the house! That's what my neighbors do...

#12 - Fri Dec 23, 2011 12:50 PM EST

QuipKid

Somewhere there is a database with the serial numbers of the parts in all of your old tech gadgets (including vendors who sold them). When state/federal gestapo gain possession of your discarded EPA violations, they will serve you ... with hefty fines. Those fines can be huge (multiple thousands). So, pitch at your own peril.

Ain't government great?

#13 - Fri Dec 23, 2011 1:28 PM EST

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Getting new tech? Safely ditch the old

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