Here are ten convenient places to recycle your old phones, ensuring they are refurbished, reused, or responsibly recycled rather than ending up in a landfill.
Recycling is an innovative and eco-friendly solution if you have a stash of outdated electronics gathering dust in a drawer or an old smartphone that’s no longer in use.
In 2021 alone, 1.4 billion mobile phones were sold worldwide—a 6% increase from the previous year, according to data from Gartner. While the last quarter of 2021 saw a slight dip in overall sales due to supply chain issues, companies that capitalized on the 5G wave, such as Samsung, reported significant growth, with an 11% year-over-year increase from Q4 2020 to Q4 2021.
According to a study by the EPA, consumer electronics accounted for less than 1% of total waste materials in 2018. Yet, many phones that could be recycled are still discarded or left unused in drawers. The EPA also reports that recycling one million cell phones can recover 35,000 pounds of copper, 772 pounds of silver, 75 pounds of gold, and 33 pounds of palladium. Additionally, recycling helps prevent harmful chemicals from contaminating groundwater, air, and soil.
If you want to recycle your old phone but don’t want to spend too much time searching for a solution, here are ten great options. Some of these are buyback programs, while others focus on donations to nonprofit organizations, often benefiting communities in developing countries.
EcoATM: Convenient and Cash-Paying Cell Phone Recycling
EcoATM offers a hassle-free way to recycle people’s unwanted cell phones and tablets while earning cash. Developed by the same company behind Coinstar kiosks, EcoATM machines can be found in grocery store checkout areas and other retail locations.
The process is straightforward: simply bring your device to an EcoATM kiosk, and it will assess the phone or tablet’s value based on its model and condition. You’ll receive an offer ranging from a few to several hundred dollars. EcoATM accepts devices from any era and in any condition, making it a versatile option for recycling old tech.
Once collected, EcoATM partners with R2-certified e-waste reclamation facilities. This ensures that the devices are either adequately recycled or refurbished for a second life, keeping electronic waste out of landfills and contributing to a more sustainable environment.
Cell Phones for Soldiers: Turning Old Phones into Free Calls for Troops
Cell Phones for Soldiers is a nonprofit organization that supports active-duty military members and veterans by providing them with cost-free communication services. This initiative accepts both new and gently used mobile phones, transforming each donated device into a valuable resource for those who serve.
Cell Phones for Soldiers provides 2.5 hours of free talk time for every phone donated. Devices valued at $5 or more contribute directly to this effort, helping service members stay connected with loved ones back home. By donating your old cell phones to this cause, you’re not only giving your device a new purpose but also supporting the well-being of those who defend our country.
Best Buy: Convenient In-Store Recycling for Your Old Phones
Best Buy offers a straightforward, eco-friendly solution for recycling old cell phones and electronics. The retail giant provides recycling kiosks at its U.S. store locations, making it easy to drop off your devices while you shop. Additionally, Best Buy’s in-store recycling service is free of charge for customers.
While three items per family are limited daily, Best Buy ensures that your discarded electronics are handled responsibly. The company partners with specialized recycling firms to ensure that your old phones and other electronic devices are properly recycled and diverted from landfills. Using Best Buy’s recycling services contributes to a more sustainable future while decluttering your space.
Gazelle: Hassle-Free Trade-In for Your Old Cell Phones
Gazelle is a well-known and convenient option for trading in your old cell phones. Based in Boston with additional locations in Louisville, Kentucky, and Texas, Gazelle offers a streamlined process for recycling or reselling your devices.
Here’s how it works: Select your phone’s brand, model, and carrier on Gazelle’s website and provide details about its condition. Gazelle will then offer you a price for your device. Once you accept the offer, you can ship your phone to Gazelle for free. After evaluating the phone to ensure it matches the provided condition, Gazelle will send you payment via check, Amazon gift card, or PayPal.
This process helps you get some value from your old devices and ensures they are handled responsibly through resale or proper recycling. Gazelle’s user-friendly approach makes it a top choice for those looking to declutter and recycle their old phones efficiently.
Eco-Cell: Sustainable E-Waste Recycling with a Community Touch
Eco-Cell, located in Louisville, Kentucky, offers a community-focused approach to e-waste recycling. The company partners with various nonprofits and organizations, including the Jane Goodall Institute, to enhance its impact.
Eco-Cell has set up convenient collection bins nationwide in coffee shops and other businesses. When you drop off your old cell phones at one of these bins, they are sent to Eco-Cell’s facility in Louisville. There, phones are assessed for reuse or recycling.
If the phones are in good condition, Eco-Cell resells them and shares some of the proceeds with the original owner. For devices that are not reusable, Eco-Cell ensures they are properly recycled, and the owner receives compensation based on the value of the recycled materials.
This model not only helps divert electronics from landfills but also supports various causes and provides financial incentives for participants. Eco-Cell’s commitment to responsible recycling and community engagement makes it a noteworthy option for your old devices.
Your Carrier: Trade-In Programs for Old Phones
Many mobile carriers offer convenient trade-in programs for unwanted phones and accessories, making recycling or upgrading your devices easy.
AT&T: AT&T provides a trade-in program that accepts phones and accessories from any manufacturer or carrier. Once you trade in your old device, you’ll receive a “promotion card” that can be used to get discounts on a new phone or other purchases from AT&T. Remember to erase all personal data from your device before trading it in to protect your privacy.
Verizon: Verizon’s trade-in program allows you to send in your old phone and receive an electronic gift card based on the device’s value. After submitting your phone and having it appraised, you’ll get a gift card that can be used for future Verizon purchases or services.
Both programs offer a straightforward way to upgrade your technology while ensuring your old devices are handled responsibly.
Medic’s Phone Donation Program
Medic Mobile, initially known for its Hope Phones campaign launched in 2009, runs the Medic’s Phone Donation Program. This initiative supports healthcare advancements in 16 countries through mobile technology.
You can donate old phones—whether you’re an individual, nonprofit, group, or business. Donated devices are recycled and assessed for value, helping Medic Mobile secure new technology for their field operations. Typically, older models are valued at around $5, while newer smartphones can cost up to $80, per the program’s website. This effort not only recycles old devices but also aids in expanding healthcare capabilities where they are needed most.
Local Recycling Options
Many cities offer local recycling options for old cell phones. Check your city’s website or local government resources for information on designated recycling centers. For instance, New York City provides detailed directions on where to recycle electronic waste, including cell phones.
Additionally, many local nonprofits accept donations of old phones, either for recycling or redistribution. These organizations often have drop-off locations or scheduled collection events.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) also offers resources to help you determine which electronics can be recycled and provides mail-in recycling options if local services are unavailable. This ensures that you can still responsibly dispose of your old devices even if you can’t find a local drop-off point.
Call2Recycle
Call2Recycle offers a no-cost recycling program for batteries and cell phones across the U.S. and Canada. It provides convenient collection boxes at various locations, including retail stores and community centers, where you can drop off your old devices.
For those with a large number of recyclables, Call2Recycle offers bulk shipping options, making it easier to dispose of them responsibly. The program ensures that your old cell phones and batteries are recycled properly, helping to reduce environmental impact and promote sustainability.
Recycling for Charities
Recycling for Charities is a nonprofit organization that supports various charitable causes by recycling old phones. The organization accepts all phone makers and models, regardless of their condition.
Phones are first evaluated for refurbishment; if they can be repaired and reused, they are put back into circulation. For devices that cannot be refurbished, Recycling for Charities ensures that they are sent to proper recycling centers to prevent them from ending up in landfills. The proceeds from the recycling process are donated to the featured charity of the time, making it a win-win for both the environment and the community.
These ten services are reliable and widely recognized options for recycling your old cell phones, but it’s always wise to do some research to ensure your device is handled correctly. Verify that the service you choose partners with certified e-waste recyclers so you can be confident that your phone won’t end up in a landfill despite your best efforts to recycle it.