Computer, printers, monitors and the like are made of things that are toxic to the environment (like mercury). You should not throw them n your garbage can, but dispose of the properply.

If you want to wipe your own hard drive before donating it, you can use a tool like Darik's Boot and Nuke (DBAN) to do so.

Nationally

Costco Trade-In and Recycle Program

Dell Recylcing

Cell Phones for Soldiers

Clark County Washington

Donate your computer to CREAM (Computer Re-use and Marketing)

CREAM is a local partnership working to divert usable computers from the landfill. Non-profit organizations will refurbish and distribute these computers to adults and children who can benefit from having access to a computer. Computers that cannot be refurbished will be recycled.

Every computer and monitor contains toxins such as lead, cadmium and mercury. By choosing to donate your computer, you prevent the disposal of these toxins in our landfills and help our community through skill development. Students and individuals processing and refurbishing the computers will benefit from hands-on experience, and individuals and organizations who received the donated computers will benefit from having access to a computer.

Drop off your old computer at one of the following locations.
Philip Services Corporation
625 South 32nd ST. Washougal, Washington
First Tuesday of each month, 10:30 am to 3:30 pm

Clark County Jail Work Center
5197 NW Lower River Road Vancouver, Washington
Monday through Thursday, 9 am to 11:30 am and 1 pm to 4 pm

Portland, Oregon

FREE GEEK accepts computers and computer related hardware in any condition. If you are donating equipment that is known to be broken or a computer older than a Pentium I PC or PPC Mac, they do ask for a donation to help with their processing costs.