Electronics
Phones
mobile, mobile phone, cell phone, smartphone, iPhone, Android phone
Can you recycle?
Sometimes
Phones can't go in your curbside bin. Factory-reset them, then donate, trade in, or recycle them as e-waste.
Verified against 40,000+ local recycling programs · Updated June 2026
How to prepare
1. Back up anything you want to keep.
2. Sign out of your accounts and perform a factory reset.
3. Remove any SIM and memory cards.
4. Donate, trade in, or take the phone to an e-waste drop-off point.
Common mistakes
Throwing phones in general waste, where the battery is a fire risk. Leaving personal data on the device. Letting old phones pile up in a drawer instead of recycling their valuable materials.
What happens after you recycle it?
Recycled phones give up gold, silver, copper, and cobalt that go into new electronics — recovering these metals avoids fresh mining.
Drop-off guidance
Phones go to e-waste drop-off points, electronics retailers, and carrier trade-in or take-back programs. Working phones can be donated to charities, shelters, and community programs.
FAQs
♻️ Can I recycle a phone?
Yes, as e-waste. Reset it first, then donate, trade in, or take it to an e-waste drop-off point — never the curbside bin.
📍 Where can I recycle a phone near me?
Use the lookup above to find e-waste drop-off points, retailers, and trade-in programs near you.
🆓 Is it free to recycle a phone?
Yes. Phone recycling, take-back, and trade-in programs are free.
💸 Can I get paid to recycle a phone?
Often, yes. Working phones have trade-in or resale value through carrier and manufacturer programs and buy-back services.
