Computer Recycling/Disposal - how to and where

goldbyron

I have a 5 year old PC which I am looking to dispose of as I have just bought a new latop. The PC went a bit dodgy on me and wouldn't switch off without pulling the plug, wouldn't log in and was very slow etc (I blame limewire). Anyway someone looked at it for me and got it working again however I lost all the software and decided that the Jan sales was a good time to buy a new laptop for half the price of the original PC! I want to dispose of the computer but would like to see it being used for good purposes. However I am anxious to delete the hard drive as it has a lot of work related confidential infomation on there as well as personal stuff. So my questions for anyone who knows is:

How do I destroy the hard drive and not the computer?

Are there any organisations in my area (East London/West Essex) that would be willing to pick up the computer to use for a charity or community access?

Thanks a lot

superscaper

Well as for destroying the data I'd recommend DBAN. I'd say it'd be practically impossible for anyone to recover anything after using it properly.

wornoutmumoftwo

You could place the computer on freecycle.org for your area, I've got my spare computer off there without the hard drive and I'm sure there are others looking for a cheap alternative to a new computer.