- 1Back up and wipe all personal data completely using secure methods
- 2Remove SIM card and memory cards - store safely or destroy if sensitive
- 3Remove case, screen protectors, and accessories
- 4Sign out of all accounts (iCloud, Google, Microsoft, banking apps)
- 5Disable Find My Device, Google Device Manager, and other tracking
- 6Remove or destroy battery if swollen or damaged
- Cell phone stores (Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile)
- Electronics retailers (Best Buy, Apple Store)
- Manufacturer take-back programs
- Certified e-waste recycling events
- Municipal hazardous waste collections
CRITICAL: Data security is paramount - simple deletion is NOT enough. Always use factory reset + encryption for complete data wiping. Never recycle phones with liquid damage that could leak hazardous materials.
Contains conflict minerals (gold, tin, tantalum, tungsten) and toxic materials like lithium and cobalt. Manufacturing one smartphone produces 70kg+ of CO2. Recycling recovers precious metals worth $10-15 per phone and prevents mining of 1,500+ pounds of raw materials. Only 20% of smartphones are properly recycled globally.
- Trade-in programs for credit toward new devices
- Donation to domestic violence shelters (data wiped)
- Repurpose as dedicated music player or security camera
- Back up important data to cloud, computer, or new device
- Sign out of all accounts: iCloud, Google, Microsoft, banking, social media
- Disable Find My Device (iOS) or Find My Device (Android) in settings
- Remove SIM card and any micro SD card - store or destroy sensitively
- Enable full device encryption if not already enabled
- Perform factory reset (Settings > System/General > Reset)
- For maximum security: encrypt device, reset, then encrypt and reset again
- If highly sensitive data: remove battery and physically destroy device
Accepted
- Working and non-working smartphones (all brands)
- Phones with cracked screens or water damage
- Phones without chargers or accessories
- Flip phones and basic cell phones
- Smartwatches and fitness trackers
Not Accepted
- Swollen or damaged lithium batteries loose (must be handled separately)
- Devices with signs of severe fire/water damage (varies by recycler)
Estimated value: $0-$400 depending on model and condition (trade-in programs often pay more)
Donation
- Local shelters and nonprofits
- Cell Phones For Soldiers
- Secure The Call
Manufacturer/Retail Take‑Back
- Lithium-ion battery (fire risk if punctured)
- Lead, nickel, and other heavy metals in components
- Rare earth elements and precious metals
How do I make sure my data is safe before recycling a phone?
Back up data, sign out of accounts, remove SIM/SD, then perform a factory reset. On iPhone, disable Find My and sign out of Apple ID first. On Android, remove Google account and enable encryption before resetting if available.
Can I recycle a phone with a dead or swollen battery?
Yes, but do not attempt to remove a swollen battery yourself. Take the entire device to a retailer or e-waste program equipped to handle lithium batteries.
Is it better to donate, trade-in, or recycle?
If the phone works, donation or trade-in often provides the most value. Non-working or very old devices should be recycled to recover materials and prevent environmental harm.