If you’re one of the many people who is still using an old modem, but may have finally upgraded your internet service, you may be wondering what to do with the old piece of hardware.
Many people simply throw their old modems out and buy new equipment.
But while they’re not perfect for every situation, there are plenty of creative uses for them! In that case, we’ll guide you on what to do with your old modem.
We are at a point where e-waste (electronic waste) is becoming a major issue.
As electronics and equipment get more and more advanced, humans are left with the task of disposing of them in a responsible and environmentally-friendly way.
That said, research done by the National Center for Biotechnology Information has shown that electronic waste is not only increasing at an overwhelming rate but also raises concerns over toxic elements released into the environment.
It’s estimated that about half of all electronic equipment sold does not qualify for recycling, and even when it does, it still has to be properly disposed of by the consumer (or company).
As such, it’s up to each of us to make sure that our e-waste gets disposed of properly, and not just thrown in the trash.
Table of Contents
What to do with old modem: 9 amazing ideas
1. Guest internet connection
Essentially, a modem is a device that allows you to connect your home computer to the internet.
They allow you to transmit and receive data across the internet.
But now that you’ve upgraded to a faster, more reliable internet service like fiber or cable, you may have found yourself with an old modem that you don’t use anymore.
What can you do with it?
One simple thing is to create a guest network through your old modem so that guests can access the internet but not have permission to view your network.
Also, password sharing is not usually recommended because it’s potentially dangerous.
Someone who knows the password to your home network can easily access private data and wreak havoc on your life.
Harris Poll carried out a survey and discovered that about 60% of adults in America use the same password across multiple sites and apps.
This proves that people are not very careful about their passwords.
2. Gaming
Online gaming has been a huge trend lately and there are even gaming leagues.
Statista suggests there are approximately 1 billion online gamers in the world as of 2022 with the numbers expected to reach at least 1.3 billion in 2025.
You can connect your computer to your modem and play games online without suffering delays.
You just have to connect the modem to your gaming devices, and then an Ethernet cable to the modem to connect it to the internet.
You can then play games with your friends or family right in your own home!
3. Print server
If you want to be able to access your computer files without having to use a network or the internet, but your old modem also happens to be a router, then you can use it as a print server.
Just turn on the sharing option and plug up to three printers into the back of it.
This can come in handy when you’re on the go and don’t have an internet connection available.
The modem will store files for you and when you’re connected to the internet, it will automatically print them out.
Just make sure to change the computer’s setting so that it does not automatically update when connected to a network! This is something that will surely save you a lot of money in printing costs.
4. Ethernet hub
If you only have a single computer on your network and don’t need to share files, then you can use your old modem as an Ethernet Hub.
This will connect any Ethernet devices to the computer and make it easier for them to be connected.
It’s ideal when you have a lot of devices that need connecting.
With an Ethernet hub, all the devices can be connected to one network through just one device.
In this case, you can use your old modem to be an Ethernet hub.
The Ethernet hub can be easily connected through the back of the device and gives you the option to plug in up to 8 more devices.
This is great for the many devices we have these days from wireless printers, speakers, game consoles, music players, and more!
5. Use it to run your electronic pet feeder
If you have pets at home, you probably know all about those automated electronic pet feeders.
These help keep your pets fed on a schedule even when you are not able to do so.
These devices are controlled electronically by a timer and are connected to an internet connection through Wi-Fi or other means.
You can use your old internet modem to run your electronic pet feeder.
This is ideal for busy pet owners who are looking to make their lives a little easier on their return from work or when they’re out of the house.
6. Plug in your security cameras
The internet has made connecting security cameras much more convenient than before.
They are handy because they allow you to keep an eye on your home at all times, even when you’re not there! For instance, if any criminals should try to break into your house or property while you’re away, the cameras will record every single detail.
The US Department of Justice reports shows that about 2.5 million burglaries occur every year.
As such, home security isn’t something to take lightly, and there are a lot of home security systems that use the internet to make sure you are protected 24/7.
You can use your old modem to connect surveillance cameras and other equipment so that they’re always ready when you need them.
And what if you want to move your security cameras to another location so that you can keep an eye on something at a different time of day or from a different point of view?
Just attach your security cameras to the back of your old internet modem and use them anywhere in the home!
7. Share the internet on far-flung devices
Sometimes, there is that one internet device located in a far-flung area of your home that you want to be connected to the internet.
This could be your front porch light, the watering system for your garden, the television in your bedroom, or even the clock in the living room.
If you have an old modem lying around, you can connect it to one of these devices so that they can access the internet.
Just make sure that whatever device you’re connecting through is on a wired Ethernet cable and not on a wireless connection.
It’s not only useful but convenient too!
8. Donate
Your modem might not be useful to you anymore but it could still be useful to someone else.
So be it to a child that needs internet access at their school, a charity that needs donations, or anything you can think of!
Every little bit helps! In, fact, this is how most people dispose of their old modems.
If you feel that donating it would be more useful, then, by all means, go ahead and give away your old modem.
The US Environmental Protection Agency encourages people to donate electronics as it helps conserve resources and reduces the number of electronic waste (recycling) sites and landfills.
If you have an old modem that is no longer in good condition, you can make a huge difference to the environment by donating it!
9. Recycle
The amount of discarded electronics and components is growing at an alarming rate according to the United Nations University.
This increases the amount of e-waste that needs to be disposed of and the amount that is being recycled.
It’s a bit troubling for sure because there is a lot of harmful waste produced from these discarded electronic pieces and components.
This leaves recycling as the best option for now.
Sometimes, an old modem might have something wrong with its electrical components, like the motherboard being damaged for example.
However, a local recycling center will probably find a good use for the other parts of your modem like the ports, power supply unit, and casing.
Final Thoughts
While modems are relatively inexpensive and easy to install, it’s still a waste to just throw them away because there are so many things that you can still do with them.
If you are planning on getting a new high-speed internet connection, then you can already start saving money by selling your old modem.
If your internet service provider will be helping you move to a new place, they will be happy to help with the disposal of your old modem, even if it is older than their devices.
However, this will depend on your ISP.
All in all, ensure that you do not just throw them away in the trash where they will just end up being a dangerous waste.
FAQs
How do you dispose of old modems?
Recycling is a good option – you’ll be helping to keep down pollution and save the environment.
However, not all modems can be recycled in this way.
If your modem is not a simple computer, such as an old fax machine, but has components that can’t simply be reused, you’ll have to take it to an e-waste recycling center to get it properly disposed of.
Check with your local government agency as they may have a list of approved e-waste centers.
Can you sell old modems?
You can sell an old modem as long as it’s working and in good condition.
Keep in mind that it will probably be worth less than if it were in new condition.
You’ll be able to sell an old modem online, but there’s no guarantee someone will buy it from you.
If you have a modem that has been damaged by water or other liquids, this will dramatically reduce the price someone is willing to pay for it.
Do old modems contain personal information?
It’s unlikely since modems don’t store any personal information or even network traffic.
That being said, it’s prudent to reset the device before recycling it, donating it, or selling it.
This will erase the firmware and make it useless to a would-be hacker.
