On Spot Techs

By Eric Geier (Our Founder & Owner)

Originally published by Cox Media Group on 3/23/25

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​While you’re doing your spring cleaning, you might come across that pile of old computers and electronics you’ve been keeping for years. So here I give you some tips on what to do with them: Don’t throw them in the trash: Computers and electronics contain materials (such as lead, chromium, cadmium and mercury) that can be harmful to the environment if not properly disposed.

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You should not put computers, monitors or other electronics in your typical curb-side garbage or recycling. In some states, it’s even illegal to do that.

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Though it takes some effort, there are ways you can help with the growing electronic waste (or “e-waste”) issue. The first step is to not put them in the landfill where toxins are released into the environment.

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Wipe phones or tablets: Your mobile devices can contain sensitive data.

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In addition to contact lists and text messages, smartphones can store passwords and apps to sensitive accounts. So, before getting rid of them ensure you properly reset or wipe them, so anyone who gets their hands on it later can’t recover your personal info. If the devices are too old to be useful to anyone, maybe just take a hammer to them and then recycle.

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Remove the hard drive from computers: A computer usually contains even more sensitive files and data than mobile devices. Health records, tax documents and saved passwords are just a few examples. So before disposing of a computer, I suggest removing the hard drive. That’s where your files and data is stored

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If you recently upgraded to a new computer, you might want to keep the hard drive for a bit to ensure you don’t need any of the data from it.

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Remember, even if a computer doesn’t turn on and work, it still may be possible for a computer tech to get the data off a hard drive.

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Once you’re sure you don’t need the data from the hard drive, you should take a hammer or drill to it. You don’t have to completely destroy it. They are pretty sensitive so a couple good dents with a hammer should be enough to render it inoperable.

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Maybe wait until you need to relieve your pent-up frustrations.

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Recycle your old tech at computer shops: Some computer shops (like mine) may take old computers and electronics for recycling for free. They might even help reset your device or remove your hard drive for you. It’s possible they could use some parts, which greatly helps the e-waste issue plus can be helpful for small businesses.

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Then they should properly dispose of other unusable computers or parts so they don’t go to the landfill.

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Check for other nearby recycling locations: Here are a couple other places where you can take your old electronics. However, they probably won’t help reset devices or remove the hard drives for you, so be sure to do so before taking them.

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Montgomery County Solid Waste Transfer Station at 1001 Encrete Lane, Moraine, open 6 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday-Friday, and 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday.

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Clark County Specialty Recycling Center at 1620 W. Main St., Springfield, open 9 a.m.-6 p.m.

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Thursdays and 9 a.m. to noon the first Saturday of each month

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Any local Goodwill store or donation site should take computers and electronics, except TVs.

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