How to get rid of old computers?

I want to get rid of my old computers. I don't wait to just throw them in the trash because I'm a little paranoid someone could possibly get vital information off of them.

How do you properly recycle or trash old computers?

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If you are worried about your data, remove and save the hard drive. I'd think you could find any neighborhood kid, that would be more than happy to take the rest off your hands.

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My dad works in the computer banking world and a feller from his office would take the old hard drives and use them as targets. He would shoot some with his 12 gauge shotgun and some with his 357 magnum revolver. Then he would bring them to work and show them off in his office. Probably illegal I know but nobody can steal the information if there is a million holes blown thru them. :D There are computer recycling centers in every major city. Look online or in your phone book and I'm sure yuo can find somewhere that will take them off yuor hands and keep your information safe. Might even pay!
There are many organizations around that would be glad to recycle your old computers. Many 'special needs' groups are looking for hardware donations.

just google Donate Computers for lots of choices.

If you do not trust who you are donating to, grab a very strong magnet and swipe the hard drive a few times.
remove the hard drive, use a mallet and smash it to bits. If you are adventurous enough, you can strip the whole hard drive apart and destroy the disk platters. (The very shiny reflective ones.)

The hard drive is the single heaviest piece of hardware inside the computer. should be easy to find.

The PC casing, you can sell it for scrap, or send it for metal recycle.