How do I erase my 2011 iMac before recycling it?

Hi there,

We are here to help:

Use this link and follow the instructions provided to erase your Mac safely so that you can recycle it

Erase and reinstall macOS - Apple Support

Please follow Apple's directions in What to do before you sell, give away, trade in, or recycle your Mac - Apple Support

Users @WheelieNick and @rkaufmann87 have both provided good guidance and the links with the info to get the job done. And you should know that if your plan is simply to drop or send the iMac to be recycled, you don't need to reinstall the OS. Follow the guidance through clearing your Apple ID and erasing the drive, and then you can call it done.

Thank You!