Ask An Expert: Disposing of computers

I've recently upgraded to a new computer. How do I go about getting rid of my old equipment securely, cheaply and legally?

For most pub licensees, using the following guide will ensure old IT equipment is safely recycled.

1 Salvage the software

In most cases the operating system is tied to a particular machine. But if the software is completely removed it can usually be reinstalled on another machine and reactivated via a phone call to Microsoft customer services.

2 Format your computer

Normal file deletion only makes the file appear unavailable - it's still present on the hard drive. A good way to ensure total erasure of private data is to use a secure erase utility which will overwrite the file with random or zero data. These can be found free online at:

www.killdisk.com/

www.heidi.ie/node/1

www.terabyteunlimited.com/copywipe.php#download

cmrr.ucsd.edu/people/Hughes/SecureErase.shtml

3 Give it to someone else

• Sell your computer on eBay

• Donate it to a charity or non-profit computer recycling centre such as:

www.oxfam.org.uk/get_involved/recycle/index.html

www.freecycle.org

www.wasteonline.org.uk/resources/InformationSheets/ComputerRecyclersRefurbishers.htm

They accept most computers, network equipment and telephones. Some will provide you with a receipt for your donation so you can get a tax deduction. If you're buying a new computer, check whether the supplier will recycle your old computer for free.

• Or try the simplest way: use your pub! Even defunct computers can be offloaded using this method. Put a sign on your computer saying 'Free computer! Good for parts or case' and leave it on display.

Note that if your pub needs to offload more than 200kg of equipment (or 15 CRT monitors) you may be subject to the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive (WEEE) and will need to dispose of it in line.

Paul Boggia is a self-confessed IT geek and licensee of the Kingston Arms in Cambridge​

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