The Nonprofit FAQ

How should we dispose of outmoded computer equipment?

Chip M. Watkins wrote in the Cyber-Accountability listserve (a service of CharityChannel.com) on September 2, 1998: Some problems are more easily solved than others. Practically speaking, broken or obsolete equipment can be disposed of in any way you want, especially if the cost of repair would be significant in relation to the cost of new equipment (which, given the relative cost of new equipment and repairs, I assume it always will be. I, too, hate to throw out old equipment that could be repaired, but when the cost of new equipment, which functions better than the old ever did, is less than the cost of repair, what choice do I have? You will do well to keep records regarding the disposal of old equipment, particularly that given to individuals or for-profit businesses. Document the fact of obsolescence or inoperability, and that the method of disposal was reasonable. Do not dispose of this equipment to anyone who would be a disqualified person under the Intermediate Sanctions rules, or who otherwise has a business relationship with the organization, unless they pay you at least salvage value. Chip Watkins For more about "intermediate sanctions" see the Nonprofit FAQ item at http://www.nonprofits.org/npofaq/18/13.html. See also the list of organizations that accept used equipment for repair and re-use at http://www.nonprofits.org/npofaq/05/19.html. Posted September 3, 1998; revised 11/7/04 -- PB