disposal of old Mac

[poppi]

I recently upgraded from a 2008 iMac to a brand new one. Before I take it to the recycling center I would like to SAFELY remove everything from the old machine.
What is the best way to do that?

Thank you

poppi

 

[RadDave]

Hi Poppi - I've sold a lot of Macs and iDevices online - most recently to SYM (Sell Your Mac) - you might want to check if a 2008 is worth anything (probably not?) - if recycling is your best choice, then check Apple's Advice on how to prepare your machine for disposal. Dave

 

[IWT]

@poppi

Here's what you need to do before disposing of, or selling, the Mac.

What to do before you sell, give away, trade in or recycle your Mac

Reset your Mac to factory settings to prepare it for a new owner.

support.apple.com

It's important to do this (a) to make sure your data is removed and (b) if you were selling it or giving it to a friend.

Ian

 

[Rod]

What is the best way to do that?

With a hammer
No seriously, with a 2008 iMac apart from physically destroying the HD your only way is to use Disk Utility to erase the Macintosh HD. If this is not the Pro version then I suppose you were running El Capitan?
If so, these are Apples instructions for Intel Macs; Use Disk Utility to erase an Intel-based Mac - Apple Support
El Capitan removed "Secure Erase" from the menu but if you are on Yosemite this option is available for a HDD but not advised for an SSD.

 

[Randy B. Singer]

I recently upgraded from a 2008 iMac to a brand new one. Before I take it to the recycling center...

Instead of recycling it, you may want to *donate* it to an organization that will make sure that it is giving to someone, somewhere, who really needs it. Often these places will offer to wipe the data from your drive for you (as well as refurbish the machine as necessary.) If you donate your old Mac, instead of recycling it, you will also get a nice tax deduction.

“InterConnection enables digital equity by providing technology and connectivity to underserved communities through sustainable refurbishment and re-use."

Promoting Digital Equity Through E-Recycling

We refurbish computers and laptops, helping to connect underserved individuals around the world to vital technology. 501(c)3 non-profit organization.

interconnection.org

Digitunity

Individual Equipment

Donate Your Computer A Simple Process to Donate Your Used Equipment Donate Equipment How it Works Donating is easy and our technology donation platform will help guide you through the process. Enter your zip/postal code into our recipient finder below Browse the results and choose the...

digitunity.org

LEM Swap USA
which is the for sale forum for the Low End Mac (LEM) group.
You could always offer your gear up for free for the cost of shipping.

LEM Swap USA | Low End Mac

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Apple Rescue of Denver specializes in rescuing and finding new homes for the wonderful Apple II and Macintosh computers.
There are complete systems available along with hard to find parts, peripherals, software and manuals to help keep these amazing computers working.

Recycling – Apple Rescue of Denver

www.applerescueofdenver.com

Freecycle is an online free recycling/gifting movement designed to keep tangible items out of landfills....a lot of computers get tossed out and there are many people who can use an old computer or a part from that computer.

Freecycle: Front Door

 

[Rod]

That’s a great option, one that we don’t have in Australia.

 

[Slydude]

Randy provided some great suggestions for passing your Mac on to someone who might benefit.

There is one thing that I think needs to be added, especially if you donate to a local organization. Some organizations do not like to take Macs, especially older ones, because they don't have anyone who can provide support/training.

This would certainly have been true for many schools in my area even as late as a few years ago. That is changing a bit as many local districts now have their teachers using Macs.