Research shows that more customers than ever want to make environmentally friendly decisions — and that includes getting rid of an old phone. Below in this article, we will cover Smartphone Recycling and Other Things to Do With Your Old Phone.
Frequent upgrades are the norm for smartphones, but throwing away old phones damages the environment. Thankfully, there’s a better way. With smartphone recycling, you don’t have to toss your old phone in a landfill.Â
Is it time to upgrade your phone? Then read on. We’ll explain the most eco-friendly ways to get rid of your old phone, including selling, recycling, and more!
Sell Your Phone
The easiest way to recycle your old phone? Sell it.
One phone user’s trash is another’s treasure. Just because you don’t find your phone useful anymore, it doesn’t mean that no one else will.
There’s a thriving market for pre-loved phones. The best part is that you’ll get back some of the cost of your phone to put towards a new one.
How to Sell Old Phones
Your first option is to sell your phone directly to a buyer. Try posting an ad for your phone on Craigslist, eBay, or even Facebook Marketplace. You will usually get the best price for your old phone by selling it directly.
Another option to sell a phone is to use a third-party company that buys back old phones.
The company may take a commission from the sale, which diminishes your profit. However, it makes the sale easier for you because the company is responsible for finding a buyer.
Be careful: some buyback companies let you sell your phone for cash, while others only give you credit for their store. Read the fine print before you sell your phone to a company online.
Before you sell, make sure you backup your phone’s data and restore it to factory settings.
Smartphone Recycling
Did you know that 1 gram of gold can be reclaimed from just 41 old phones?Â
That’s the same amount of gold as is found in one ton of ore. That means that recycling your old phone can significantly decrease harmful mining.Â
When your phone isn’t fit to sell, recycling your smartphone has lots of benefits for the environment. Since phones are so intricate, it’s best to let a professional break them down to recycle their components properly
Many electronics stores offer free electronics recycling. You can bring your old phone to Best Buy, Home Depot, or Staples.
Donate Your Phone
If your old phone still has some life in it, why not donate it to a good cause? Many community organizations accept factory-reset smartphones, including:
- Domestic violence shelters
- Senior citizen support networks
- Homeless shelters
- Community-based “free-stores”Â
Check out your community’s organizations and find one that can use your old phone for a good cause. You’ll help someone else and save the planet.
Upgrade Your Phone Responsibly
Getting a new phone doesn’t have to mean contributing to landfill waste. With so many smartphone recycling options, you’ll be able to upgrade your phone the responsible way. That’s better for the planet and better for you!
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