How Should I Dispose of my Old Cell Phone?

Considering the staggering statistic that Americans discard about 151 million smartphones annually, as reported by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), it's crucial to contemplate what should I do with my old cell phone. 

Disposing of cell phones in landfills is not only often illegal due to the hazardous materials in batteries, but it also squanders valuable resources. The EPA emphasizes that recycling one million cell phones can recover 35,274 pounds of copper, 772 pounds of silver, and 75 pounds of gold. Therefore, before relegating your outdated device to a drawer or the garbage, consider the environmentally sound and philanthropic alternatives available for your mobile phone's next chapter.

You certainly don’t need to pay to recycle an old cell phone, and in fact, most companies that recycle them get paid to do so. This had led to many charities making a small amount of money by collecting old phones. There are large organizations that will take unwanted phones, but you might also want to think locally.

Many schools and local charities now have recycling programs, and they do make a little bit on each donation. The saying that one man’s trash is another man’s treasure certainly applies. If you can’t find a large cell phone recycling program in your area, you might consider starting a small local one, perhaps for a local public school.

Check first, since so many schools have gotten the jump on recycling them already. As people move to bigger and better phones, or smaller and better phones, there are plenty of old cell phones just waiting for a place to land, and smart schools have provided that place. Local charities may also offer computer recycling or battery recycling too.

You might also want to hang onto any accessories that you have, since things like chargers or covers can often be used with a new phone. Continuing to use accessories in good shape makes smart economic sense.

To safely dispose of your old cell phone, consider recycling it through a certified e-waste recycler. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends using certified e-Stewards or R2 recyclers, as they adhere to strict environmental and data security standards. You can also check if the phone's manufacturer or your mobile carrier offers a take-back program. Before recycling, ensure you've wiped all personal data from the device.

Throwing an old cell phone in the trash is not recommended. Cell phones contain hazardous materials like lead, mercury, and cadmium, which can leach into the environment if not disposed of properly. According to the EPA, recycling one million cell phones can recover 35,274 pounds of copper, 772 pounds of silver, 75 pounds of gold, and 33 pounds of palladium. Always opt for recycling to prevent environmental harm and recover valuable materials.

Yes, donating your old cell phone is a great way to extend its life and benefit others. Many organizations accept old phones for charitable causes or to provide communication tools for those in need. Before donating, make sure to erase all personal data and perform a factory reset. Check with local charities, shelters, or schools to see if they have a need for mobile devices.

Before recycling your old cell phone, take the following steps: First, back up any important data like contacts, photos, and messages. Next, perform a factory reset to erase all personal information—consult your phone's manual or manufacturer's website for instructions. Remove any SIM or SD cards and recycle or destroy them if not needed. Lastly, if the battery is removable, separate it from the phone as it may need to be recycled separately.

Properly disposing of your old cell phone can have financial benefits. Some recycling programs offer monetary incentives, discounts on future purchases, or charitable donation receipts for tax deductions. Additionally, by recycling, you contribute to the recovery of precious metals and other materials, which can reduce the need for mining and ultimately lower production costs for new devices. This can have a positive impact on the economy and the environment.