Not everyone is lucky enough to have a nerd in their life who will lovingly take their old computer hardware and software to re-purpose it into their personal network. If that is your dilemma, then you can simply take the hardware and software, and have it recycled.

In the past, you might have had an excuse as this was something you could not simply put out on the curb on recycling day. If you were really motivated, you might have taken your old equipment to the myriad of local computer shops that accept the equipment for recycling. Now, it's easier than ever with Reconnect, a program run by the tandem of Dell and Goodwill. This program, which started in Austin in 2004, was setup for residential consumers to easily recycle their computers.

Reconnect in its existence has recycled over 50 millions pounds of computer equipment to date. It's as easy as visiting the Web site at reconnectpartnership.com and finding a nearby location. I took a peek at the location finder and found 20 spots in the Katy area. They for the most part accept any brand of computer part in any condition. If you have any questions, you can contact them from the Web site or make a quick read through of the list on what items they take.