PC world service - wiping old PC

almillar

Once you've destroyed the data on your hard drive using either software or a hammer, and have decided whether to keep or give away the drive (depends on the size of it which you don't mention), take it down to PC World who are required to take it off you by the WEEE directives, along with most other electrical retailers, without taking £30 off you!

googler

You seem to be assuming that the OP bought the PC at PC World - are PCW obliged to take PCs off anyone who walks through their door?

Big_Ed

ubergeek wrote: »

Another option would be to wipe the drive yourself using something like dban http://www.dban.org/

+1 for DBAN. Lots of options even for those really paranoid. Just leave it going one night.

almillar

googler - not a subject I know a lot about TBH but I my understanding is that ANY retailer (that sells electronic equipment) has to take ANY equipment.
What would you do if PC World asked you for the receipt for that 10 yr old computer you're scrapping to prove it's theirs?
Looks like they may have found a clever way of making a bit of money whilst fulfilling their obligations.

shaun_from_Africa

A retailer doesn't have to accept anything providing that they can advise a customer of a local facility that will take their unwanted item (such as a local council recycling centre).

If the shop does take accept old electrical/electronic equipment, they can restrict this to people who have purchased goods from them and the items being returned must be of a similar nature to the purchased item. (you can't for example buy a TV and expect them to dispose of a washing machine).

Stooby2

Most council recycling sites have a container for electrical stuff these days - take it there.