How to Recycle Used Phones

Most cell phone owners trade in their handset for a newer model every two years or so. If you've decided to say goodbye to your phone and pick up a newer model, there are plenty of recycling programs available for you to use instead of having your old phone take up room in the local landfill.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

1. Take your old phone with you to the store when you purchase your new one. Many cell phone carriers have a box in the store where you can drop off your old phone to be recycled.

2. Contact the manufacturer of your cell phone and see what recycling programs are available for your handset. Many manufacturers will send you a box with prepaid postage to mail your phone to a recycling center.

3. Take your cell phone to an EPA-sponsored eCycling center. Best Buy and Office Depot stores are among participating businesses. Find a store in your area by visiting the EPA website (see Resources section).

4. Donate your cell phone to Eco-CELL. Find a drop-off location in your area by visiting Eco-cell.org (see Resources section).

5. Contact the local women's shelter or other charitable organizations in your area and ask if they accept cell phone donations. Many nonprofit organizations collect cell phones to be given to people in need, or to be recycled for cash for the organization. In this case your donation might qualify for a tax deduction.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure to remove personal information from your phone before recycling or donating it. Your cell phone carrier should be able to provide guidance with this if needed.

Resources

• EPA website
• Eco-cell.org