Recycling of computer parts for cash?

[Guest ArmyVeteran37214]

I'm curious if anyone has recycled their old computer parts for cash? I have an abundance of computer parts that would be nice to get money out of. Some of these parts are still in computer cases and function. I just wanna free up some space and maybe get some money together to build a new computer. Edited December 2, 2012 by ArmyVeteran37214

[Murgatroy]

With older computers you are lucky if you can get someone to come collect them for free.

Several years ago my company moved to a new building. They left behind probably 100 obsolete computers and some heavy duty industrial printers.

After calling nearly a dozen places, and advertising on Craigslist, I had ONE person offer to haul them off free of charge for recycling, versus everyone else wanting me to pay then $20 just to show up to evaluate how much it would cost to haul them off.

If you have better luck, I wish it to you.

The issue is that once a computer component is five years old, it is so obsolete that there is literally no use for it. You can build a computer today, of last year's latest and greatest for about the third the cost of the parts when they were new. And it will be obsolete in a few years.

It is a tough gig. Edited December 2, 2012 by Murgatroy

[vontar]

some recycling places will take them. I believe they pay scrap metal price per pound. You won't get rich. I know one place in Oak Ridge but I know it would not be worth it for you from Nashville.

[Guest Grubbah]

It depends on how much you have, and how much time you have on your hands to break it down. If you just take it to a recycling place, you'll probably just get paid whatever the going price is for shred which isnt much. If you take the time to break the stuff down, and sort it you'll get considerably more. If its worth your time or not depends on how much you have and how much time you're willing to put into it.

Hit up youtube and do some searching for scrapping pc's. Lots of tips there.

Some stuff can be sold decently on ebay. neo magnets from the hard drives often sell, and quite a few people buy certain parts for gold recovery.

You wont get rich, and it may not even be worth your time to be honest, but lots of people really get into the scrapping thing and make decent money from it if they get the quantity.

[Guest HvyMtl]

I wish I still had the info. There used to be a way to have them refurbed for poor schools, or poor children. Dunno if they still do that.

If it is more recent parts, that they still sell, there is value. In that case, you find a computer forum, similar to this forum, with a buy and sell section. Make sure you post a lot, then start selling. Make sure you have "heat," or whatever they use nowadays, to show you are not "fly by nite" and have a good selling reputation.

My suggestion is hardocp.com 's forum. They may even tell you if you have parts worth selling.