Smart examples of what to do with broken laptops: 3 practical examples that actually help

3 practical examples of what to do with broken laptops

Let’s start with the heart of it: examples of what to do with broken laptops: 3 practical examples that reflect what people actually do in 2024–2025.

Think of these three as your main paths:

• Repair and keep using it
• Repurpose it for a new life
• Recycle it the right way

Inside each of those, there are several real examples you can copy, tweak, or mix together depending on how broken your laptop really is.

Example 1: Repair and revive – when a “broken” laptop still has life

One powerful example of what to do with broken laptops is surprisingly simple: fix them. A lot of “dead” laptops are only partly broken. Maybe the screen is cracked, the battery is toast, or the keyboard has a few missing keys—but the core of the machine still works.

Real examples of repair that make sense

Let’s walk through a few real examples of smart repairs:

Screen smashed, everything else fine
If the laptop powers on and you can see a faint image or use an external monitor, the main issue is the display. Replacing a laptop screen often costs far less than buying new, especially for mid‑range Windows machines. Many local repair shops will quote you before touching it, so you can compare the repair cost to the value of the laptop.

Battery barely holds a charge
This is one of the best examples of a “cheap win.” A new battery can turn a sluggish, plug‑dependent laptop into a useful machine again—perfect for kids’ homework, basic web browsing, or as a backup computer. Third‑party batteries (from reputable brands) plus a local tech can keep an older device going for years.

Storage failure, but everything else works
If the hard drive died but the rest of the laptop is okay, swapping in a solid-state drive (SSD) can be both an upgrade and a repair. You get a faster machine with more life in it. Just be sure to handle data recovery carefully—if you had sensitive information on that old drive, ask a pro about secure data handling.

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), properly managing electronics—including reuse and repair—reduces greenhouse gas emissions and saves natural resources by extending the life of products and materials instead of making new ones from scratch (EPA e‑waste overview). Repair is a big part of that story.

How to decide if repair is worth it

Here’s how I like to think about this first of our 3 practical examples of what to do with broken laptops:

• Get a repair quote from at least one local shop and, if possible, one online/mail‑in service.
• Compare the repair cost to the price of a basic new laptop with similar performance.
• Factor in the environmental bonus: every laptop you keep in service means one less device manufactured, shipped, and eventually dumped.

If the repair is under roughly half the cost of a comparable new laptop, that’s often a good deal—especially if you only use it for light tasks.

Example 2: Repurpose and reuse – turning broken laptops into something new

If repair doesn’t make sense, the next set of examples of what to do with broken laptops: 3 practical examples focuses on reuse. This is where things get fun and creative.

A “broken” laptop is usually a collection of working parts: a screen, keyboard, trackpad, Wi‑Fi card, speakers, maybe a webcam. Even if the motherboard is cooked, you can often squeeze a second life out of what’s left.

Real examples of repurposing broken laptops

Here are some of the best examples I’ve seen people actually use:

1. Turn it into a home media server or backup machine
If the screen is cracked but the laptop still boots and you can plug in an external monitor for setup, you can:

• Install a lightweight operating system (like a Linux distribution) and use it as a media server for music, movies, or photos on your home network.
• Turn it into a backup machine that automatically stores copies of files from your main computer.

This example of reuse keeps the hardware working quietly in a corner instead of sending it to the landfill.

2. Create a dedicated “kid computer” or guest laptop
Maybe the laptop is too slow for your work but fine for web browsing, school assignments, or streaming. After a reset and cleanup, it can become:

• A homework station for kids
• A guest laptop for visitors
• A risk‑free device for experimenting with new software

Wipe the drive, reinstall the operating system, and lock down parental controls if kids are using it.

3. Use the screen as a second monitor
If the motherboard is dead but the display is intact, some tech‑savvy folks turn laptop screens into standalone monitors using special controller boards (easy to find from electronics suppliers). This takes a bit more skill, but it’s one of the best examples of how broken laptops can still support your main workstation.

4. Salvage parts: drives, RAM, and more
Even if the laptop is a lost cause as a whole, individual parts can live on:

• The SSD or hard drive can become an external drive with a simple USB enclosure.
• RAM modules might upgrade another compatible laptop.
• The charger can become a spare or be donated with another similar device.

This is a quiet but powerful example of what to do with broken laptops: treat them as parts donors instead of trash.

5. Donate for training and education projects
Some nonprofits and community makerspaces accept broken or outdated laptops for training. Tech students and volunteers use them to practice repair skills, data wiping, and safe disassembly. That way, your old laptop becomes a learning tool instead of waste.

Look for local programs through community colleges, libraries, or repair cafés. The U.S. EPA maintains general guidance on electronics donation and recycling; many local programs build on that.

Why repurposing matters in 2024–2025

The world is drowning in e‑waste. The United Nations estimated global electronic waste at over 60 million metric tons per year and rising. Laptops are a growing slice of that pile.

So when you choose one of these reuse paths—media server, parts donor, kid computer—you’re not just being thrifty. You’re directly cutting down on:

• Mining for new metals like copper, gold, and rare earth elements
• Energy used in manufacturing and shipping new devices
• Toxic materials entering landfills and, eventually, water and soil

Repurposing is one of the most underrated examples of what to do with broken laptops: 3 practical examples could easily become eight or nine once you start thinking creatively.

Example 3: Recycle safely – when it’s truly at the end of its life

Sometimes, a laptop really is done. The motherboard is fried, the battery is swollen, the casing is cracked, and repair or reuse isn’t realistic. That’s where the third of our 3 practical examples of what to do with broken laptops comes in: responsible recycling.

Why you should never toss laptops in the trash

Laptops contain:

• Heavy metals like lead and mercury
• Lithium‑ion batteries that can catch fire in trash trucks or landfills
• Plastics and flame retardants that don’t break down cleanly

When dumped, these materials can leak into soil and water. The EPA warns that improper handling of electronics contributes to pollution and wasted resources, and recommends using certified electronics recyclers instead of regular trash (EPA: Electronics Donation and Recycling).

Real examples of responsible recycling options

Here are real examples that people in the U.S. and many other countries can use right now:

Manufacturer take‑back programs
Many laptop brands run their own recycling programs:

• Dell, HP, Lenovo, Apple, and others offer mail‑in or drop‑off options for old laptops, sometimes even if you didn’t buy the new device from them.
• Some brands provide trade‑in credits if the laptop still has some value.

Check your manufacturer’s website for “recycling” or “take‑back program.”

Retailer drop‑off bins
Big retailers like Best Buy and Staples in the U.S. have electronics recycling programs where you can drop off old laptops and chargers. Policies change, so it’s smart to check your local store’s page for current rules and limits.

Certified e‑waste recyclers
Look for recyclers certified under the R2 (Responsible Recycling) or e‑Stewards standards. These certifications aim to ensure safer handling of hazardous materials and better labor practices. The EPA lists resources to help find certified recyclers in your area.

Municipal e‑waste collection events
Many cities and counties host special e‑waste collection days. These are especially helpful for handling:

• Laptops with swollen or damaged batteries
• Mixed loads of old electronics from around the house

Your city or county solid waste department website is usually the best place to check for dates and accepted items.

Data safety before recycling

Before you use any of these recycling examples, wipe your data. At a minimum:

• Back up anything you need.
• Use built‑in tools (like Windows “Reset this PC” or macOS “Erase All Content and Settings”) to erase personal information.
• For very sensitive data, consider removing the drive and physically destroying it or using a certified data destruction service.

The U.S. Federal Trade Commission has general guidance on disposing of devices with personal data, and many universities publish detailed guides on secure data wiping. For example, the University of Michigan’s IT team offers step‑by‑step instructions on securely erasing drives (UMich Safe Computing – Securely deleting data).

Putting it all together: best examples for different situations

By now, you’ve seen several examples of what to do with broken laptops: 3 practical examples expanded into a whole toolbox of options.

Here’s how people often match their situation to the best examples:

• Laptop is a few years old, only one part is broken
  Repair is usually the smartest move. Replace the screen, battery, or drive and keep using it or hand it down.

• Laptop is older but still boots and connects to Wi‑Fi
  Repurpose it: media server, backup machine, kid computer, or guest laptop. This example of reuse stretches its life without much money.

• Laptop is physically damaged, won’t boot, or has a swollen battery
  Go straight to responsible recycling with a certified program. Protect your data first, then let the pros safely recover materials.

The key is to see your broken laptop not as trash, but as a bundle of materials and potential. These real examples—repair, reuse, recycle—aren’t abstract ideas. They’re exactly what millions of people are doing right now to save money and cut down on e‑waste.

FAQ: common questions and examples of what to do with broken laptops

What are some quick examples of what to do with broken laptops at home?

Some fast, low‑effort options include: turning it into a media or file backup machine if it still boots, wiping it and setting it up as a basic web‑only computer for kids, or removing the hard drive and using it as an external drive with a simple enclosure. These are everyday, realistic examples of what to do with broken laptops without spending much money.

What is one safe example of recycling a broken laptop in the U.S.?

One straightforward example of responsible recycling is taking your broken laptop to a retailer like Best Buy that runs an e‑waste program, or using a manufacturer mail‑in recycling program. In both cases, you should erase your data first and confirm on their website that laptops are currently accepted.

Can I throw a broken laptop in the regular trash?

No, you really shouldn’t. Laptops contain batteries and electronic components that can leak hazardous materials or even cause fires in the waste stream. The EPA recommends using electronics donation or recycling programs instead of putting laptops in household trash or regular recycling bins.

Are there examples of donation options for broken or older laptops?

Yes. If the laptop still powers on, many local schools, nonprofits, and refurbishers will accept it, especially if it’s under 7–8 years old. Some organizations can even use broken laptops for repair training. Check local charities, community colleges, or makerspaces, and always ask whether they accept non‑working devices.

How do I know if my laptop should be repaired or recycled?

Look at three things: age, repair cost, and how you plan to use it. If it’s relatively new and the repair cost is low compared to a new device, repair is often worth it. If it’s very old, badly damaged, or has multiple failing parts, your best example of a next step is recycling through a certified e‑waste program after wiping your data.

If you remember nothing else, remember this: there are always better options than the trash. Whether you repair it, repurpose it, or recycle it, the examples of what to do with broken laptops: 3 practical examples you’ve seen here give you a clear path to do right by your wallet and the planet.