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If you’re thinking about buying the new Google Pixel 5 or upgrading to an iPhone 11, there’s just one problem. What do you do with your old phone?
Warning: Do not throw away your old phone! Even if it’s completely busted, phones should never go in a landfill. There are components in your cell phone that need to be disposed of correctly, including the lithium battery. The toxic chemicals inside the case can eventually leach into the ground.
Also, the tiny amount of gold in the circuit board should be recycled, not trashed. There are businesses that buy used phones to extract the gold, which is only a fraction of a gram per phone. However, that adds up if we’re throwing phones and other electronics away instead of recycling them.
Did you know that all phones can call 911, regardless of whether you are paying for a carrier? As long as your old cell phone has power, it can still call emergency services. It’s a federal law!
Keeping an old phone around (plus a charger) for a “just in case” emergency call isn’t the worst idea. However, you’ll have to keep it charged for this to work.
If your phone still works, you might consider donating it. There are many charities that will accept working phones. Just make sure to remove your SIM card first!
Some charities send phones overseas to US soldiers serving abroad. Others give them to victims of domestic violence or homeless folks trying to get back on their feet. Other non-profits sell the phone components for scrap and use the money to fund their charity work.
Maybe this is obvious, but have you considered selling your phone? If you like to have the latest and greatest phone, then your current device might still have market value. Consider selling it yourself online rather than through a retailer, since you will probably get more money that way.
If all else fails, you can usually recycle your phone when you buy a new one. Apple has a decent trade-in program, although you will only get a fraction of the phone’s original retail price. If your phone is in really bad shape–such as having a busted screen–it might not be worth anything.
Most office supply and electronics stores also offer cell phone recycling services. You can check out a list of retailers that offer recycling on the EPA website.
