How to Recycle Your Mobile Phone
Are you guilty of hoarding old mobile phones in your drawer? You’re not alone. According to a 2023 Which? survey, three out of 10 mobile phone owners still have their old devices gathering dust at home. But did you know that you can recycle your old phone and even earn some extra cash?
Trading in your old phone can get you hundreds of pounds directly into your bank account, or you can donate your phone to charity programs to help those less fortunate get access to technology. With up to 80% of the materials in every phone being recyclable, it’s time to start recycling our old mobile phones.
How to Get the Most Money for Your Mobile Phone
One of the easiest ways to get money for your old phone is to trade it in to a second-hand retailer. The amount of money you’ll receive for your smartphone is based on several factors, such as the condition of the device and the amount of internal storage. For example, a working 256GB iPhone 13 is more desirable than a working 128GB iPhone 13. Your phone doesn’t have to be in working condition to get some cash for it, but you’ll take a hit on how much money you’ll receive for it.
Trading in your old iPhone
Unlocked phones – those that aren’t tied to a specific carrier – are generally worth more than mobiles that are tied to a network.
How to Recycle Old Mobile Phones
For older phones, you might struggle to find a retailer that’ll give you much money, or any at all. In this instance, your best option is to recycle your phone directly. National recycling campaign Recycle Now can check if you can recycle your mobile phone at home or at a nearby recycling point, so its materials can be used again elsewhere.
Recycling your old mobile phone
How Your Old Mobile Phone Can Help Charities
Alternatively, consider charities that accept old mobile phone donations, whether they are in working condition or not. They will pass on the phones to those who need them, or sell them to raise valuable funds.
Donating your old phone to charity
How to Recycle an iPhone Using Apple Trade In
Our latest survey revealed that just 15% of people traded in their old phone to a retailer, but you could save money on your next phone by doing this. Apple can take your device and swap it for credit towards your next purchase, or offer you an Apple gift card for use at any time. If your device isn’t eligible (perhaps it’s damaged beyond repair), they will recycle it for you.
Trading in your old iPhone with Apple
How to Recycle a Samsung Phone Using Samsung Trade In
If you’re getting rid of a Samsung mobile (or a non-Samsung phone that you’re replacing with a Samsung device), head to the brand’s website to find out the current value of your handset. If you’re willing to accept the quote, you’ll get an instant discount on your shopping basket when you select your trade-in device. The final step involves shipping off your phone in packaging provided by Samsung.
Trading in your old Samsung phone with Samsung
Is My Data at Risk If I Recycle My Phone?
Just 16% of people in our survey still have their phone at home because they are worried about their personal data that may be stored on it. But this is something everyone needs to be careful about. You must wipe your device completely before recycling, trading in, or donating your phone – otherwise, your apps, photos, messages, and maybe even passwords could fall into the wrong hands.
Wiping your device clean before recycling
Should I Recycle a Phone That I Can’t Switch On?
If you’re unable to perform a factory reset on your device because it’s not currently working, your data could still be recoverable, which means there is a risk if you hand it over to a company or new owner. Second-hand retailers and online marketplaces generally have disclaimers explaining they are not responsible for your private data once you hand it over.
Recycling a broken phone
By recycling your old mobile phone, you can earn some extra cash, help those in need, and do your part for the environment. So, what are you waiting for? Start recycling your old mobile phone today!
