How to Recycle Your Old Phone

Want to get more out of your mobile plan?

Owning a smartphone is a constant cycle. You use one for a few years, upgrade it, then rinse and repeat.

But what should you do with your old phone? Throwing it away could be an option, but it is bad for the environment. Cell phones contain toxic metals that can contaminate soil and water if they're not disposed of properly. For that reason alone, Recycling your old phone benefits the planet, ensuring that these metals do not seep into the soil or water supply. can be a good idea.

That's why, instead, we recommend recycling old phones. There are many ways you can recycle your phone and lessen its environmental impact. Read on to learn how to recycle your old phone.

How To Get Cash For Your Old Phone

You can also earn money from recycling your phone, which can be a nice perk. Some phone vendors give you a credit toward a new phone when you trade in an old one, while others even offer cash. Both are great options if you are focused on your budget. Donating your phone is also an option, especially if you’d like to see your phone reused instead of simply recycled.

Whether you’re looking for cash or credit toward a new phone, there are plenty of places where you can recycle your old phone for money.

If you want to trade in your phone and receive a discount on a new one, talk to your carrier or an electronics retailer. Most carriers, including Optimum Mobile, offer trade-in programs. When you're ready for an upgrade, bring in your current device and swap it out for a newer model. We also offer in-store recycling for any of your old devices, even if you are not currently opting for an upgrade. Just bring in your old phones, and we will send them to Pulse for responsible recycling.

SellCell claims to offer the most cash possible for your smartphone. It compares offers from over 40 different buyback companies, so you can figure out if you're getting the best deal.

For simplicity’s sake, Decluttr is a great option. You can receive an instant quote online, and if you like the offer, they'll send you all of the necessary shipping materials for free. You can also sell other electronics on Decluttr, so it's ideal if you have an old laptop lying around as well.

Swappa is a market for used tech, cell phones included.. Swappa is designed to allow you to list and sell your used phone online. This requires a bit more upfront work, but the upside is that you can cut out the middleman and get more money for your phone.

How To Recycle Your Old Phone

If you don't need to buy a new phone, donating your old device to a recycling service is a great call. They're easy to use, and some will give you money in return. Unsure about recycling facilities that accept phones? Consider these recycling companies.

Call2Recycle is perfect for recycling your phone quickly and easily. They partner with retailers across the United States, so there's likely to be a location near you. They accept old cell phones and recycle or refurbish them for future use.

The venerable used clothing and furniture retailer is also a great place to donate your phone. Goodwill has an electronics recycling program that makes donating an old phone a breeze.

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle Your Old Phone

Recycling old cell phones is incredibly easy to do; it's good for the environment, and you might walk away with some extra cash in your pocket. There are countless cell phone recycling websites and programs to choose from - you just need to find the one that's right for you!

FAQ: Recycling Your Old Phone

Are you still unsure about recycling your old phone? Explore our most frequently asked questions about phone recycling and how to find the best place for recycling your outdated or broken model.

What is the best way to dispose of old phones?

How you dispose of an old phone is up to you, but please do not just throw it in the trash. The metals in cell phones are toxic to the environment; when phones are thrown away, they end up in landfills. The metals in the phone leach into the soil and water supply. You can donate, resell, or recycle cell phones that are older but in good working condition. Phones that no longer function can be recycled. Some service providers also may accept these phones as part of a buyback or donation program.

Do I need to wipe my phone before recycling?

Yes! Wiping your phone ensures no personal data remains on the device. Always wipe your phone before donating, selling, or recycling your phone.

Should you destroy old SIM cards?

Remove an old SIM card before donating, recycling, or reselling your device. This card holds your personal information. Destroy the SIM card if you do not plan on moving it to another phone or device.

How do I prepare my old phone for recycling?

Before recycling your old iPhone, remove the SIM card and wipe the data from your phone by restoring the original factory settings. Some reports have revealed that removing data from Android devices is a bit more complicated than restoring factory settings. For complete data removal, consider working with your cell phone provider. Never donate, resell, or recycle a phone with any saved personal information or data. Remember to backup all your personal pictures and other information.

Is your mobile plan giving you everything you need?

Have a question about Optimum Mobile service? Explore our Frequently Asked Questions page or contact us for answers.