Easy Ways to Recycle Your Smartphone

1. Donate it

Instead of storing your old phone in a shoe box in the back of your closet, consider giving it away! Although it seems like everyone owns a phone, it’s likely because those around you do. That said, there are tons of people without a phone or cellular access. For example, many U.S. troops abroad don’t have the ability to always call home. There are also many people in rural parts of the globe who could significantly benefit from having a cellular phone.

Unless your phone is absolutely tarnished, it can still be refurbished and used. Otherwise, it would likely be sold for parts or smelted down.

Secure The Call

Secure The Call received contributions for old phones from all over the country to their main location in Maryland. This company sifts out the phones that are still capable of being used and packages them with chargers to ship to companies and agencies for emergency services. The goal of their program is to enable people who are in high risk of emergency services, to be able to call 911.

Cell Phones For Soldiers

It is very expensive for U.S. troops to call home from abroad while on active military duty. Cell Phones For Soldiers provides military members with talk time so that they can call home for free.

Medical Missions

There are companies that also recycle and refurbish phones and other hardware so that medical workers all over the world could have access to technology at their fingertips. Many residents and doctors conduct trips where they help others around the world.

2. Recycling

Mail-in: One method that companies have created to make it easier for people to recycle their old electronics is the mail-in program. These companies send you a packaged secured envelope that makes it super simple to send back. Usually, all you need to do is stick your old phone in there and shove it in the mailbox.

EcoATM is another option. It is an automated kiosk that offers you a price in cash for your phone right then and there. It is found all around the country and is maintained by the same creators of CoinStar.

Best-Buy might be the easiest option. There are Best Buys all around the country and all you have to do is walk in and drop the phone at the kiosk. There’s no cost to you whatsoever.

If you google nearby locations for smartphone and cell phone recycling or disposing, you can easily find a location. Please take a few minutes out of your day to help keep our landfills less cluttered!

3. Trade It In

The majority of core carriers in the U.S. have some form of trade-in program where you can give back an older phone and receive promotional credit for it. Usually, they reward you with money off towards your new phone, but we’ve seen some carriers offer additional options as well.

Reminder

It is important to back up all your data and information that you still need from your phone and, once secured, delete the information. It’s ideal to return the phone in its default state. NYC Mobile Device Doctors can help you with this in minutes.