How to Donate Used Cell Phones

You can donate used cell phones to charitable organizations that will use the phones to help others, and you can claim a tax deduction for your donation. There are several different types of charities that accept used cell phone donations, with local pick up places as well as mail-in options. Here's how to donate used cell phones.

Instructions

1. 

   Test your used cell phones to determine whether they are in working order with good batteries. Make note of any defects or quirks. The condition of your phone will determine whether it is used for parts, refurbished, or reused as-is for someone who needs it.

2. Look into Cell Phones for Soldiers to donate your used cell phone to veterans or currently deployed members of the U.S. military. Many soldiers rely on donated cell phones for the chance to call their families back home.

3. Consider donating your phone to the Wireless Foundation to aid victims of domestic violence. Abuse victims are given cell phone pre-programmed with emergency numbers for them to call when they are in danger.

4. Find out if any local organizations, such as scouts or service clubs, are collecting used cell phones for donations. Be sure to get a tax receipt so you can take the deduction.

Resources

• Cell Phones for Soldiers
• The Wireless Foundation