Where to Find Old Computers for Free in Regina

Looking for a free old computer? Whether you want something to tinker with, a machine to run Linux on, spare parts for a project, or just a cheap way to get a kid or family member set up with something basic, there are a few real places in Regina worth checking before you spend a dime.

Check with Local Computer Repair Shops

Your best bet is honestly the simplest one: call around to computer repair shops in Regina and ask if they have old stock they're willing to give away.  Places like PC Place and Computer Clinic often end up with computers that aren't worth repairing or reselling, and handing them off to someone who can use them saves the shop a trip to the recycling depot.  It's a win for everyone.

At RescueTECH, we keep a pile of junk computers set aside that are waiting to be taken into SARCAN for recycling.  These are machines that didn't make the cut for our donation program with Community Computers Regina, but that doesn't mean they're worthless to everyone.  We regularly let people come in and go through that pile, no charge, as long as the hard drives are removed or destroyed first.  It's a small thing, but it means a computer that would otherwise be scrapped might get a second life instead.

Don't Overlook Facebook

A shout-out in a local Facebook group can work too, but in our experience, calling around directly to shops tends to get you further.  People posting "does anyone have an old computer" on Facebook can get buried fast, while a quick phone call to a shop puts you directly in touch with someone who actually knows what they've got sitting around.

Set Your Expectations Before You Go Looking

Here's the honest truth: assume whatever you find is not working, or at the very least, not current. If a computer was still capable of running something like Windows 11 and working properly, it wouldn't have ended up in a scrap pile in the first place.  Go in expecting to do some work, not expecting a like-new machine.

What to Do With a Free Computer That Doesn't Work

If you end up with a free computer that's outdated or not fully functional, you've still got a couple of good options. Installing Linux is a popular route it's generally lighter on system resources than Windows and can bring an old machine back to something usable, even if it wasn't going to run modern Windows software anymore.

If it turns out you genuinely have no use for it, the right move is to take it to your nearest SARCAN for proper recycling.  One thing worth mentioning here: don't bring it to us.  If it's not something we can use or pass along, we're just going to take it to SARCAN ourselves, so you might as well save yourself the trip and go straight there.

Why We Let People Dig Through Our Scrap Pile

Some people ask why we bother letting folks pick through a pile of junk computers instead of just hauling it all straight to SARCAN ourselves.  Honestly, it comes down to goodwill in the community and giving old parts a real second chance.  We even have local artists who come by now and again to pick through what we've got, using old computer parts in their art.  That's what recycling is really supposed to be about, reuse first, not just tossing everything straight into the recycling stream the moment it's no longer new.

Come Take a Look

If you're on the hunt for a free old computer, feel free to give us a call or stop by RescueTECH and see what's currently sitting in our scrap pile.  No promises on what we'll have on hand, but it never hurts to ask.

RescueTECH Regina
2225 14th Avenue, Regina, Saskatchewan
Call or text: (306) 205-7522

Hours:
Monday – Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Saturday: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Closed Sunday and Provincial Statutory Holidays