Before you do get rid of your old computer or computer hardware, please consider your own privacy! If you’re disposing of any data storage media like CDs or DVDs, a hard drive, or a flash drive you should clean that media first. What does it mean to “clean” data storage media or devices? To clean media means to securely delete (sometimes called “wiping” or “shredding”) private data from the media. To dispose of computer hardware (including peripherals like monitors and keyboards) you can try to sell or donate the old computer or parts to someone else or an organization (nonprofit or otherwise) or you can recycle the computer or parts. Different jurisdictions have different laws or rules about disposing of electronics and different ways of doing so, but it is not recommended and generally it is illegal to simply throw electronics in the trash.