What affects a laptop’s value?
- Brand and model.
- Age and processor generation.
- Working condition.
- Battery and screen condition.
- Storage and memory specification.
- Current reuse or parts demand.
Prepare personal laptops before handover
Supporters should save files they want to keep and sign out of personal accounts where practical. The collection process should then follow the current Tech for Change instructions. Do not rely on simply deleting files as a substitute for a controlled data-handling process.
Why community collection can help
Individuals often delay dealing with old laptops because selling, wiping and recycling each device takes effort. A charity or school campaign creates one deadline and a clear route for many households at once.
For institutional equipment
School, charity or company-owned laptops may sit on an asset register or be covered by internal IT policies. Confirm authority to dispose of them and retain any records your organisation needs before collection.
Frequently asked questions
Do non-working laptops have value?
Sometimes. The current Tech for Change site says non-working devices can contribute recycling value, while newer or working devices may generate higher returns.
Should we remove the hard drive ourselves?
Follow the current collection and data-handling instructions rather than improvising. Removing components may change the device value and is not necessary unless the approved process says so.
Planning a technology collection?
Register your organisation through the current Tech for Change collection form and confirm the latest accepted-device, logistics and data-handling guidance before launch.
Request a collection