use the components to put towards a new computer. Or if its a really old comp that has nothing you can use - make modern art or if you are feeling generous and it's still a pretty good computer, you just feel like an upgrade, give it to a local school, hospital or homeless shelter etc. Just make sure you wipe the hard drive first.

When I end up with a computer I no longer need, I can always find someone who could use it. Especially considering my needs (wants?) are far greater than the average user. I'll try to find anyone who needs a computer, especially a first time user or someone that has a very old system (5+ years). Since I consult on the side and know others who do as well, it doesn't take long to find a new home for a computer. As others have mentioned, most places also have programs where older computers are accepted for use in schools and libraries etc. Otherwise, it's off to the local computer recycle depot where the parts are disassembled and the toxic components properly disposed of. The very last place I'd want to see a computer end up is the garbage dump.

Most cities have a computer recycling program most are non-profit and give computers to kids that need one for school but their parents can't afford one.

does it still work? if that is the case, and it is just no longer needed, then try to find someone who you can sell/give it to. if not, like above, there will be some recycling place nearby you. hope this has helpedx

I recently experienced a memory failure on the motherboard of one of my computers at home. After determining that it was economically more feasible to replace the computer rather than just the motherboard, I took it apart and disposed of the components as follows: 2 40GB Hard Drives - the primary drive was put into another computer so we could recover all of the data. I will probably leave it there as a backup drive. The other will go on a shelf as a spare, or I will put it in a USB external drive case and use it for backups. Intel P4 1.4GHz CPU & 384MB PC2100 Memory - currently for sale on eBay along with the CPU heatsink and cooling fan (Update: Sold for $38.00 plus shipping.) CDROM R/RW Drive - already put into the kids' computer to replace a defective one Floppy Drive - Trash (who uses floppies any more?) Motherboard - Trash Video Card - in a drawer as a backup Wireless Network Card - in the replacement computer Fax/Modem - in the trash with the fax/modem from the new computer Power Supply - Into the back of a closet as a backup along with the keyboard and mouse 17" LCD Monitor - to the kids' computer (15" LCD monitor currently on the kids' computer to be donated to the kids' school.) Case - to the recycling center

I would give my non working or working computer to Salvation Army, or Saint Vincent De Paul.

If the computer is functional, but just not to your standards, do donate it. You may or may not be able to write it off on your taxes. Obviously, in any scenario here, totally wipe the hard drive. If your community does not have a set program for recycling computers and components, take it to the regular recycling center. They will have an area set aside for computers - you may have to pay a small fee per pound. If you are handy, take the computer apart for scrap metal and parts. Chances are no one is going to want parts from an obsolete computer, and assembling a new computer using them is slightly impractical due to the constantly changing climate in the technology world. There are, however, some shops that will take used parts on the off chance they need them for older computers they service.

Tie a rope to it and use it as a boat anchor. Or maybe a nice paperweight.

If it still works, the honourable thing to do is to give it to some place that really needs it, such as a school, charity or volunatry group and always in your locality.

Give it to charity