Overview

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This page contains information about the GTS electronics recycling program. This program is open to all students and employees at Gustavus.

Details

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Please bring your items to the Technology Helpline in Olin Hall, and let the staff know that you have items to recycle. You will be asked to complete an ownership transfer form when dropping off your items, if you haven't already. We also recommend erasing all devices to factory defaults prior to stopping by the Technology Helpline. If you unable to erase your device, GTS can assist with that process. If your device has a microSD or SD slot, please make sure you remove any media prior to recycling. Please be sure your devices are backed up prior to erasing the data, if applicable.

 

FAQ

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What sort of electronics are eligible for recycling?

Cannot Accept:

• Microwaves

• Televisions

• Household appliances (toasters, vacuums, refrigerators, etc)

• LED light bulbs

• Batteries larger than a laptop battery

 

Will Accept:

• Laptops
• Desktops
• Keyboards
• Mice
• Printers
• Gaming devices
• Tablets
• E-Readers
• Cell phones
• Computer cables, charging cables, monitor cables
• Blu-ray players, DVD players
• Headphones
• Smart watches
• Small Bluetooth speakers
• External hard drives, flash drives
• Power banks
• Streaming devices (Rokus, AppleTVs, etc)
• Alexa, Google Home and other smart assistants
• Cameras (GoPro and other non-film devices)
• Apple Pencil

 

What organizations facilitate the recycling program?

 

We partner with the non-profit organization, PCs for People, based out of Mankato, MN for recycling. They maintain the NAID certification for secure data destruction of hard drives.

 

Should I erase my device data before making a donation?

 

We recommend erasing all devices to factory defaults prior to recycling. If your device has a microSD or SD slot, please make sure you remove any media prior to recycling. GTS can also handle erasing the device, if necessary. Please be sure to have data backed up, or in a cloud service, as once the erase has started, there are no options to retrieve the data.

 

How do I erase an iPhone or iPad?

• Go to Settings  > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone.
• Tap Erase All Content and Settings.
• If asked, enter your iPhone passcode or Apple Account password.
• Tap Continue to confirm.
• If you have an eSIM, you can choose to erase your eSIM or keep it. If you erase your eSIM, you need to contact your carrier to reactivate your cellular plan.

How do I erase an Android device?

• Go to Settings > System.
• Tap Reset Options.
• Choose Erase all data (factory reset).
• Tap the Reset phone.
• Tap Erase everything.

This process varies from manufacturer to manufacturer, please check you manufacturer's website for more info.

https://support.google.com/android/answer/3094742?sjid=3079984908665728289-NC

 

How do I erase a macOS computer?

If using macOS Ventura or later:

• From the Apple menu  in the corner of your screen, choose System Settings.
• Click General in the sidebar.
• Click Transfer or Reset on the right.
• Click Erase All Content and Settings. 

If using macOS Monterey:

• From the Apple menu  in the corner of your screen, choose System Preferences.
• From the System Preferences menu in the menu bar, choose Erase All Content and Settings.
• An erase assistant opens. Follow the onscreen instructions. Before the erase begins, you will see a summary of all the settings, media, data, and other items that will be erased or turned off.

https://support.apple.com/en-us/102664

How do I erase a Windows computer?

In the Settings app on your Windows device 

• Select System > Recovery or use the following shortcut: Select Reset PC
• Click Remove Everything.

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/reset-your-pc-0ef73740-b927-549b-b7c9-e6f2b48d275e

 

 

Contact us

If you need further assistance, please contact us at helpline@gustavus.edu or call us at 507-933-6111.