Our Community in Fairfax County, Virginia
County residents can recycle televisions, computers, and electronic peripherals at the I-66 Transfer Station from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., 14 June, 12 July, 16 August, 20 September, 18 October, and 15 November 2009. The Transfer Station is located at 4618 West Ox Road in Fairfax. There is no cost to Fairfax County residents for this service.
Electric Sundays are limited to the collection of central processing units (CPU), computer monitors, computer peripherals, laptops, desktop computers, televisions, console TVs, projector TVs, flat screen TVs, consumer electronics containing circuit boards, stereos, video cassette recorders, CD/DVD players, telephones, cell phones, printers, scanners, copiers, fax machines, computer parts and accessories, keyboards, and mouse devices.
Equipment brought to these events does not need to be in working order. For more information about recycling and trash, including upcoming events, visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/living/recycling/. For scheduling updates, including cancellation notification of events, please call the Fairfax County Recycling Info Line at 703-324-5052.
Your old computer is taking up space, you don't use it now that you have a new one, and you want to get rid of it. If it still works, you might want to try selling it. But who wants to buy a computer that even you don't want anymore?
Most likely, nobody will pay you for your antique, so your choice is to recycle it or donate it to charity. Don't try to throw it away--most computer equipment contains toxic materials. When you send your computer to be recycled, it is broken down to its basic materials so that some can be reused and others can be safely disposed of.
Dell, Gateway, and Hewlett-Packard all accept old computers regardless of brand. You must fill out an online form, pay a small processing fee, and pack up the old equipment. A shipper will then pick it up from outside your home a few days later.
Sometime there also are opportunities to dispose of computer equipment locally at no cost. For example, I got rid of some equipment last summer when Office Depot was running a free recycling promotion.
If you're equipment works fine, has the original software on disks or CDs, and is not too old, some charities may accept donations. Three local groups to consider are the Salvation Army, the Capital PC User Group, and Washington Apple Pi.
As a service to Fairfax County residents and businesses, Fairfax County's Department of Public Works and Environmental Services has made available on its Web site a list of organizations that accept donations of used computers and software. Whether you are a resident who has just upgraded to a new computer and need to dispose of an old one, or you own a business that is switching out its old equipment for newer models, there is a company listed that will take your used equipment
The Web site lists charitable organizations that refurbish the equipment to be freely given or distributed at minimal cost to schools and communities across the country. Local schools such as Chantilly High School are listed that take PCs to help students to learn the fundamentals of information technology. The Web site also includes information on businesses that resell computer equipment or parts. Some organizations accept only 486s or better; while others take computer equipment regardless of the make, age, or condition.
So recycle your old computer and share it with someone who can put it to good use. For more specific information about where to donate your computer, visit the Web site.