Got one or more old Apple devices collecting dust in the closet? Will you ever get around to selling them or giving them to friends? Have you considered recycling? Are you concerned about your personal data?

In Mac Mondays: Tips for New Macs, I mentioned the opportunity to trade in a Mac to Apple for a gift card. While you might be able to get more for a used Mac via Craigslist or Swappa, Apple’s offers are competitive when considering the convenience of their trade-in process. And you can trust their recycling practices, too.

Assess the Device

The first step in preparing to recycle a Mac (or iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, etc.) is to determine its value. What is the serial number or what model is it? Does it still function? Is it in good shape?

You can visit Apple’s Trade In page to get started.

Scroll down and choose a device type. Specify its serial number and answer a few basic questions about the condition of the device so Apple can estimate its trade-in value. If you have difficulty answering them, give me a call or bring your item to me to handle the assessment.

Trade In and/or Recycle

If you’re in the market for something new from Apple, you can trade in for a credit on your purchase. If you’re buying refurbished or don’t need anything right away, you can get a gift card (which doesn’t expire). Or, I’m happy to handle the whole process and accept any value offered.

Apple will still offer to recycle for free any device that doesn’t have trade-in value. However, it might be less resource intesive to recycle it locally.

I’ve previously mentioned El Cerrito Recycling & Environmental Resource Center for recycling electronics and other assorted household waste. I also have a relationship with Tri-Valley Recycling Center in Stockton, which makes free pickups of e-waste in the Bay Area and Central Valley.

What About My Data?

Many legitimate electronics recyclers will certifiably destroy your data as part of their process. If you request one and pay an extra fee, they will literally provide a certificate as verification of this.

I once heard that Apple reported recycling Macs in an environmentally friendly manner and destroying storage devices in an environmentally unfriendly way. I think that was more in the days of hard disks, which have less value today compared to Flash media.

Apple’s preference is that customers erase their data before sending in their devices. They can provide you support in doing so. Or, again, you can reach out to me for help with this.

If you’re overwhelmed by the experience of assessing and offloading devices from your life, or grieving the loss, or just need some insight about what to keep and what to toss, give me a call. I can help you declutter your home of old technology and make room for renewal.

If you need help with more general organizing of your home or office, I would be happy to connect you with my colleague Katherine Korlacki.