My company retired a server this week.  This venerable old 200 MHz machine had delivered faithful service to us since 1996.  Its early years were spent as an applications server, but in its later years, it was relegated to print server status.  We powered it off for the last time because it just couldn't hold enough memory for today's needs.

No, we didn't give the server a gold watch on retirement.  We will, however, give it new life through eBay.  Surely someone would give us a few dollars for a server that still functions, albeit slowly.  EBay has become Currid & Company's preferred way to dispose of old equipment.  Someone else gets a "new" toy, and we get a few bucks.

But what do companies with hundreds, or even thousands, of old PCs and servers do when retiring their equipment?  It's just not practical to try to sell hundreds of units on eBay, either individually or as a lot.  Even if you could find a buyer, the time spent in executing the sale and preparing the equipment for shipment isn't worth the cost recovery.

You could donate your old equipment to a charity or an agency that serves numerous nonprofit organizations.  Check out the PEP National Directory of Computer Recycling Programs  (http://www.microweb.com/pepsite/Recycle/recycle_index.html).  This directory lists all kinds of agencies that accept donations of old computer equipment.  Some organizations are designed to accept one or two computers at a time, but others will take large shipments off your hands.

The PCs and servers you donate get put to good use.  For instance, Goodwill accepts donations of computers in workable or repairable condition and uses them in a Computer Works training program to help underserved populations gain experience and job skills in computers and computer repair. The refurbished computers are sold at greatly discounted prices at the Goodwill Store.

Then there's Web Clubs of America.  WCA accepts donated computer equipment, refurbishes it, and distributes it for use by school Web Clubs.  The PEP National Directory is full of organizations such as this that will take those old junkers off your hands.

Another end of life option for old equipment is to let the manufacturer or distributor take it back for safe disposal.  In a "take back" program, you send the equipment to the manufacturer, who then removes harmful elements such as mercury and lead and reuses other components, like plastics, metals and glass.   This environmentally friendly approach reduces the waste that heads to our landfills.

Linda Musthaler is a principal analyst with Essential Solutions Corporation.