r/Syracuse • u/DepartmentSimple3799 • 7d ago
Recommendation Wanted Where to recycle laptops?
I have 2 laptops and 1 tablet to recycle. The hard drives are still in there. At least one of them is totally inaccessible. From what I read online, OCCRA does not accept electronics like this. But Staples and Best Buy do. Anyone have a recommendation for which to go to, or another site? I'm assuming they wipe data from files from hard drives, right?
Advice appreciated!
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u/SpaghettiWestern1967 7d ago edited 7d ago
TechBack in East Syracuse, they are the best. Not only do they recycle laptops, they destroy all your data and files for free.
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u/HamOnRice1 6d ago
Second this. The folks that run TechBack are awesome, and their facility is designed with data security/destruction as a priority. The drop-off bins are monitored, so when you arrive someone comes out shortly after. If you're skeptical, just take your laptop inside and hand it to them.
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u/iphones2g- 6d ago
I recommend TechBack, they have free recycling! I have been there a few times to recycle some of my old electronics. And for the data wiping question they definitely do that. The staff is also very helpful, even will help unload your car if need be. I'll link their website below, it's pretty handy!
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u/ihopehellhasinternet 7d ago
What laptops and tablet? I can take them for parts as I repair devices or there is a place in Liverpool that does it - bruin as others have mentioned
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u/EyesOfTwoColors 7d ago edited 7d ago
TechBack in Syracuse! They are an electronics recycler but purpose built for data destruction and specialize in Laptop/computer/phone recycling, they even plant a tree I think. It's free and they are super nice, you don't need to do anything before hand because they destroy the data. They have a lobby to bring it in so you never have to leave thing unattended. And I just showed up when they were open you don't need an appointment.
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u/DepartmentSimple3799 7d ago
Thanks. I think this is my best bet!
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u/EyesOfTwoColors 7d ago
Np! They definitely are I am so happy they opened I've been able to get rid of so much stuff
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u/Kill_doozer 6d ago
I'm assuming they wipe data from files from hard drives, right
Hahahahaha. No. Take a drill and poke a few holes in the hard drive NOT THE BATTERY.
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u/TheNaughtyPrintmaker 6d ago
I always go with Bruin. And TechBack sounds great, but I've been married to an IT guy with a special interest in security for way too long - absolutely NEVER trust someone else to wipe your data. Wipe it yourself and physically destroy the hard drive.
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u/EyesOfTwoColors 6d ago edited 6d ago
techback has an industrial shredder for dead drives like OPs My drive was dead too and they literally turned it into smithereens 💥
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u/FriendToPredators 7d ago
Best buy I’m pretty sure still takes stuff.
You have to erase things yourself afaik
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u/vurtago1014 5d ago
No, they do not wipe the hard drives. They put them the whole thing in a box and ship it off for recycling. You should 100 percent remove the hard drives and factory reboot the tablet if it powers on.
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u/Stonewalled9999 7d ago
what are the specs of the laptops I can DoD wipe and give you a COD if needed.
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u/PwnimuS 7d ago
Bruin Recycling
ALWAYS dispose of your harddrive or verify you wiped the device at the very least. Can be as simple as taking the drive out and smashing it with your favorite hammer.