How to Factory Reset and Recycle Your MacBook

Looking to upgrade your MacBook? Electronics recycling (eCycling) is a smart, environmentally-friendly solution for disposing of any old MacBooks that might be collecting dust around your home — but first, you need to secure your personal data.

To protect your privacy, you need to completely wipe devices clear of sensitive information, security locks, and account data before recycling them. 

Here, we’ll cover how to properly prepare your MacBook, MacBook Air, or MacBook Pro for responsible recycling.

How to factory reset your MacBook, MacBook Air, or MacBook Pro

First, understand that the factory reset process permanently removes contacts, messages, photos, videos, music files, stored passwords, documents, and all account information from your MacBook. 

This complete data wipe is the best way to protect your privacy and prevent unauthorized access.

Important note for business devices: Corporate devices often have Mobile Device Management (MDM) profiles that need removal. Coordinate with your IT department to properly handle these security protocols before recycling.

Here’s how to reset your MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, or MacBook to factory settings:

• Disconnect paired accessories. Remove connections to AirPods, Apple Watches, or other paired devices. Click the Apple menu in the top left corner. Select System Settings > Bluetooth (or System Preferences > Bluetooth for older versions). You’ll see a list of all your paired devices. For each device you want to remove, click the “i” icon, then select “Forget This Device.”
• Create a backup if necessary. While optional, backing up important files ensures you don't lose valuable data when you reset your device. You can choose to back up your MacBook via Time Machine and an external hard drive, iCloud, or third-party backup apps.
• Sign out of your Apple ID. Navigate to System Settings/Preferences > [Your Name] and select "Sign Out." This step disconnects your personal Apple account from the device.
• Disable Find My Mac. This security feature typically turns off automatically when you sign out of iCloud, but you can verify its status by checking System Settings/Preferences > [Your Name]  > Find My > Find My Mac.
• Execute the factory reset. For macOS Ventura 13 or later systems, access the Apple menu and choose System Settings. Click "General" in the sidebar, scroll down to find "Transfer or Reset," then click "Erase All Content and Settings." Follow the prompts to complete the process. For older MacBooks, you may need to use recovery mode. 

After completing these steps, your device will be clear of personal information and ready to be recycled. If you need help resetting your MacBook before sending it in to Reunitus, reach out to our team and we’ll be happy to assist!

Why you shouldn't just toss your MacBook in the trash

If your MacBook is particularly outdated or broken, it might be tempting to put it directly in the trash. But improper disposal of electronics can harm the environment and waste valuable resources. 

Some of the components in laptops release dangerous toxins as they decompose in landfills, contaminating groundwater and soil systems — and therefore impacting community health and wildlife populations.

Your discarded MacBook may also contain valuable materials, including rare earth elements and precious metals. Landfill disposal wastes these finite resources instead of recovering them for manufacturing new products. 

Additionally, many regions enforce penalties and fines for improper electronic waste disposal, with businesses facing particularly steep consequences.

Ready to recycle your MacBook (and maybe get some cash back)?

You have a few options for responsibly disposing of your factory-reset MacBook:

• Local retail stores, such as Best Buy and Staples, often accept old electronics for responsible recycling. 
• Apple’s Trade In program lets you hand in devices at an Apple Store or mail them in for free.
• Donating to nonprofits gives your device a second life and supports organizations in need.
• Mail-in programs like Reunitus supply a prepaid shipping label and may even offer cash back, depending on your device’s value and condition. 

By choosing eCycling over trash disposal, you prevent electronic waste from entering landfills — and you might even be able to recoup some costs in the process.

Ready to turn your old MacBook into cash while protecting the environment? eCycle your MacBook, MacBook Air, or MacBook Pro today with Reunitus.