Don't throw your old computer and peripherals in the trash. Computer recycling is a better option. If your machine is two years old, you can probably purchase a computer that's twice as powerful for less than half the cost of your "old" machine. The money you save in taxes with a charitable tax-deductible receipt my pay for your new PC.

Tonight Sandy Clark from OaklandTech joins us on "The Screen Savers" to talk about what you need to do to donate your old computer.

Can you say 'tax deduction'?
Your PC's parts probably are probably not worth saving. Most will be useless in a newer machine. Instead, donate your intact computer and peripherals to a nonprofit recycling organization. Even if you can't use the stuff, there are thousands of schools, families, and nonprofit educational programs that can.

What to donate
You'll find open arms for your computer more quickly if it has all its parts and it works. Besides, you don't want a non-profit to spend money fixing or disposing of your bad donation. Here's what you need to know.

• Useful machines are 200Mhz or faster with at least 64MB of RAM.
• Erase your personal files, but leave your programs. Take the software licenses and tape them to the case.
• Keyboards get grungy. Clean your old ones with a spray on-wipe off cleanser.
• Donate working VGA or SVGA color monitors.
• Inkjets and late model laser printers will be accepted.
• Software, packaged and sealed. Check for viruses please.
• Accessories, in working condition with all the cables and parts.

Who'll take my stuff?
Three types of programs will take your computer:

• Nonprofit charitable programs
  The Computer Recycling Center (San Francisco/ Northern California) is one example. Its goal is to keep as much junk out of the landfills as possible. It also reuses parts, and its computers and education program donates systems to schools and community programs. There are locations throughout North America.
  
  
• For-profit companies and individuals
  People take your computer and sell it for as much as possible. You won't get a tax-deductible receipt.
  
  
• Local schools, churches, and community programs
  You're machine will probably have to meet a minimum set of system requirements and you'll usually get a thank you letter to use for your tax-deduction.

Find recycling programs
To find recycling programs in your area, surf to your favorite search engine and type "computer recycling." You'll get a list of nonprofit groups, individuals, and academic institutions. Yahoo! and Cascade Asset Management also maintain their own charitable computer donation lists. Here are some other places to look.

• State government websites
  Go to your state government website and look for publications listing places and programs in your state. Look at the website of your state Environmental Protection Agency office.
  
  Every county in California has recycling and reuse programs, help desks, and information printed in phone directories. Look under "recycling" or "computers, recycling."
  
  
• Federal agencies
  The federal government has several agencies that list information for recycling electronic products. The National Safety Council and the EPA host a conference each year focusing on electronic product recovery. National and international companies and organizations with strong commitments to recycling and reuse are listed as participants by these agencies.
  
  
• Individual websites
  Finally, try these websites for help in choosing where to donate your computer gear:
  
  • Resources for Parents, Educators, and Publishers National Directory of Computer Recycling Programs.
  • Share the Technology (national).
  • BBB Wise Giving Alliance (for help choosing a charity).
  • National Cristina Foundation.
  • Educate USA.