We live in an era of constant upgrades. Mobile phone manufacturers are constantly unveiling new models, hoping to entice new buyers. If your phone is on the fritz, it’s a good idea to ask some basic questions before you decide to replace it.

In some cases, phones are too complex to repair, so it is best to find a new one. Other times, repairing your existing phone is a good option that conserves resources. Let’s take a look at how to check whether your damaged phone can be repaired and the recycling options available when it cannot be returned to service.

The U.S. recycled only about 15% of cell phones in 2024, with approximately 150 million phones discarded annually. In California alone, the recycling rate declined to just 13.2% in 2024—only 770,000 phones were collected compared to 5.83 million sold. Globally, about 5.3 billion mobile phones are expected to become e-waste, and only around 20% of post-consumer e-waste makes it to the recycling stream.

These statistics matter because phones are made from valuable materials that are energy-intensive to mine and manufacture.  Every cell phone contains precious metals such as gold, silver, copper, and palladium, as well as rare-earth elements. When phones end up in landfills instead of recycling facilities, these recoverable materials are lost forever.

What Can Be Recovered From Recycled Phones?

According to the EPA, for every million cell phones recycled:

•       35,000 pounds of copper

•       772 pounds of silver

•       75 pounds of gold

•       33 pounds of palladium

Recycling 1 million phones can also save enough energy to power approximately 25,000 homes for an entire year. Beyond resource recovery, proper recycling prevents toxic materials like lead, mercury, cadmium, and arsenic from leaching into soil and groundwater, protecting both ecosystems and human health.

Some phones need a new battery installed and will be back in business. Oddly, this can be super easy in some phones and quite a challenge with others. Look up the

iFixit repairability score for your phone helps determine whether your model is difficult to fix.

Although repairs should be easy and the right-to-repair movement is growing, phone manufacturers habitually glue screens to phone bodies, make it hard to replace batteries, and often use components that tear or break when the device is opened. There is also a wealth of information online about repairing cell phones. Look up the specific issue you are having for tips and videos on how to remedy it.

iFixit’s repair guide home page is a good place to start whenever you have a question about the specific model of phone you own.

If you dropped your phone into water or another liquid, the first thing to do is to turn it off. Pat the cell phone dry with a towel and do not charge it.

It’s essential to resist the urge to turn it on to see if it still works. Remove the SIM and any other accessories, then pat them dry. Now, place the phone in a bowl or bag of uncooked rice and let it sit for at least 24 hours to absorb the water. You want the phone to be completely dry before you attempt to turn it on.

New features drive the upgrade cycle for phones and computers, but do you always need the Next Big Thing if your phone satisfies your needs? A third or fourth camera may be cool, but do you really need professional photo features? Does that face-recognition security add protection for your valuable secrets if all you do is share recipes or chat with your family, or does your current PIN provide the privacy you want?

If your phone is easy to fix, consider whether the phone meets your needs before upgrading. In many cases, new models look flashy but don’t necessarily offer new and improved features. It is tempting to make an impulse purchase, but this isn’t necessarily worthwhile or best for the planet.

Look for recyclers certified under R2 (Responsible Recycling) or e-Stewards programs to ensure your phone won’t be dumped overseas or handled unsafely.

Before recycling your phone, always back up your data and perform a factory reset to erase all personal information. Remove your SIM card and any memory cards.

Here are the best options for responsibly recycling or trading in your old phone:

Phone Manufacturer Programs

Apple Trade In: Apple accepts any Apple device for free recycling, whether or not it has trade-in value. Working devices may earn you credit toward a new purchase or an Apple Gift Card. Visit apple.com/trade-in to get started.

Samsung Recycling Program: Samsung offers free recycling for all Samsung-branded products through its Take-Back and Recycling Program. They also provide trade-in values for eligible devices. Learn more at samsung.com/us/trade-in.

Google Recycling Program: Google accepts old Pixel phones and other Google devices for free recycling. You can also get trade-in credit when purchasing a new device. Visit store.google.com/repair for details; you’ll need your phone’s IMEI or serial number to start the process.

Wireless Carrier Recycling Programs

Verizon: Trade in your old device for account credit or discounts on new purchases. Even phones with no value are accepted for eco-friendly recycling. Check your device’s value at verizon.com/trade-in.

AT&T provides monthly bill credits or device discounts through its Trade-In program. Non-working phones are recycled through certified partner facilities. Visit att.com/trade-in.

T-Mobile accepts both working and broken phones for trade-in credit or recycling. Learn more at t-mobile.com/cell-phone-trade-in.

U.S. Cellular is known for offering generous trade-in values up to $600, depending on your phone’s model and condition. Devices with no value can still be submitted for recycling at no charge. Visit https://www.uscellular.com/phones/trade-in to find your phone’s trade-in value.

Retail Programs

Best Buy accepts cell phones and other electronics for free recycling at all U.S. stores. They also offer a trade-in program. Visit bestbuy.com/recycling.

Staples accepts cell phones and other electronics for free recycling; learn more at www.staples.com/stores/recycling. You can also earn rewards for recycling eligible devices through their program.

Target offers an Electronics Trade-In Program that allows you to trade in old cell phones for Target gift cards.

Other Recycling Options

ecoATM: With over 5,000 automated kiosks across the U.S. (often at Walmart or shopping centers), ecoATM offers instant cash for your old phone. They accept devices from any era and in any condition.

Call2Recycle: This free program accepts cell phones and rechargeable batteries at collection sites across the U.S. and Canada. Find a location at call2recycle.org.

Local E-Waste Recycling Centers: To find certified recyclers in your area, visit the Earth911 Recycling Search. We maintain one of North America’s most complete recycling databases.

Donation Programs

If your phone still works, consider donating it to help others:

Cell Phones for Soldiers: This nonprofit provides free communication services to active-duty military and veterans. If you have fewer than 10 phones to donate, you’ll need to pay to mail them in; the organization provides pre-paid labels for donation of more than 10 phones, so consider banding together with your neighbors to collect phones.

Medic’s Phone Donation Program started in 2009 to recycle phones to fund mobile health technology in 16 countries. Old phone donations are typically valued at $5 for tax purposes, while newer smartphones can be valued at $80 or more.

Goodwill accepts cell phones and other electronics at their locations nationwide through a comprehensive gadget recycling program.

Every phone recycled makes a difference. By choosing to recycle or donate your old device, you’re helping to:

• Conserve valuable natural resources
• Reduce greenhouse gas emissions from manufacturing
• Prevent toxic materials from contaminating soil and water
• Support a growing circular economy in electronics
• Provide affordable technology to those who need it

Whether you repair, trade in, recycle, or donate your phone, it’s a choice that benefits the environment and prevents destructive mining of Earth’s resources. The next time your phone shows signs of age, remember that you have options that go far beyond the trash can.

Read on to learn more:

To find recyclers in your area, visit Earth911 Recycling Search.

Editor’s Note: Originally published on July 9, 2019, this article was most recently updated in November 2025.