Updated on January 11, 2025
The problem: Electronic waste (e-waste) is one of the fastest-growing waste streams globally, with over 60 million metric tons generated annually, according to the United Nations.
Mobile phones, a significant contributor, are replaced every 2-3 years on average, fueling this trend. In 2022 alone, 1.5 billion mobile phones were sold worldwide, many replacing older devices. An estimated 5 billion devices ended up as e-waste.
Unfortunately, only about 17% of global e-waste is properly recycled, leaving millions of discarded phones to pile up in landfills or sit forgotten in drawers.
The consequences: Improper disposal of mobile phones has severe environmental and health implications. Devices contain toxic substances like lead, mercury, and cadmium, which can leach into soil and water, causing contamination. When burned, e-waste releases harmful chemicals such as dioxins, contributing to air pollution and respiratory problems.
For instance, informal recycling hubs in countries like Ghana and India report elevated levels of heavy metals in the environment, posing long-term health risks to local communities.
Hidden value in discarded phones: Ironically, discarded mobile phones are treasure troves of valuable materials. A typical smartphone contains precious metals such as gold, silver, palladium, and platinum, alongside rare earth elements like neodymium.
According to the World Economic Forum, one ton of e-waste from mobile phones yields more gold than one ton of mined ore. In 2022, the global value of raw materials in e-waste was estimated at $91 billion, yet most of it went unrecovered due to inadequate recycling practices.
The way forward: Addressing the mobile phone e-waste problem requires enhanced recycling infrastructure, better consumer awareness, and policies that promote extended device lifespans. However, that process starts with you.
Recycling your old phone responsibly isn’t just clearing out clutter; it contributes to a more sustainable future. Here’s how to do it.
Stop Hoarding Old Phones – Here’s How to Recycle Them
1. Sell or Donate Your Old Phone
Just because your phone is outdated, to you, doesn’t mean it’s useless. Secondhand devices are in high demand, especially in developing countries or for people who want affordable options. If your phone still works, consider selling it online through platforms like eBay, Swappa, or Facebook Marketplace. You might even get a nice chunk of cash for it!
Donating is another great option. Many charities and organizations refurbish old phones for people in need. For instance, programs like Cell Phones for Soldiers provide free communication tools to military members and their families. Alternatively, local shelters and schools might also accept functioning devices for educational purposes.
2. Trade It In for an Upgrade
Most big manufacturers and retailers now offer trade-in programs, making it easier to recycle your phone while scoring a discount on a new one. Apple, Samsung, and Google have robust trade-in programs that take your old phone and either, refurbish it for resale or recycle it responsibly.
Retailers like Best Buy and carriers like Verizon and AT&T also have trade-in initiatives. Some even accept damaged phones or those beyond repair, offering gift cards or account credits in return. It’s a win-win: you get rewarded, and your phone avoids the landfill.
3. Get Creative: Repurpose Your Old Phone
Sometimes, the best way to deal with an old phone is to give it a second life. Even if it’s outdated as a smartphone, it might still be perfect for other uses. Here are some ideas:
- Turn it into a security camera: Apps like Alfred or Manything can convert your old phone into a home security system.
- Use it as a media player: Load it with your favorite music, podcasts, or audiobooks, and use it as a dedicated entertainment device.
- Make it a gaming console for kids: Erase all personal data, download age-appropriate games, and hand it over to the younger members of your household.
- Transform it into a digital photo frame: Prop it up on your desk and let it display a slideshow of your favorite pictures.
Repurposing keeps your phone out of the trash while giving you something functional and fun to use.
4. Use Certified Recycling Programs
If your phone is broken beyond repair or just too old to be useful, the next best option is to recycle it through a certified partner. Look for e-Stewards or R2-certified recyclers, who follow strict environmental and ethical guidelines. These programs ensure that phones are safely dismantled, and valuable materials like gold, cobalt, and copper are recovered.
Local recycling centers often have drop-off points for electronics, or you can use services like EcoATM, which places kiosks in public areas where you can trade in old phones for instant cash. Just make sure you choose a program that guarantees responsible recycling—some shady operations ship e-waste to developing countries, where it’s processed in unsafe conditions.
Wipe Your Data
Before you sell, donate, or recycle your phone, don’t forget this crucial step: erase all your personal data. Phones hold a ton of sensitive information, from contacts to banking apps, and you don’t want any of it falling into the wrong hands.
Here’s how to do it:
- Back Up Your Data
Use cloud storage or a computer to save important files, photos, and contacts. On Android, sync with your Google account. For iPhones, use iCloud or iTunes. - Sign Out of Accounts
Log out from apps, email accounts, and services like Google, iCloud, or Samsung accounts. Deactivate “Find My iPhone” or equivalent tracking features to disable remote locking. - Remove External Storage
Eject and safely store SIM cards and microSD cards to prevent access to your data. - Perform a Factory Reset
- For Android: Go to Settings > System > Reset > Factory Reset.
- For iPhone: Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Erase All Content and Settings.
- Verify Wipe
After the reset, restart the phone to ensure no personal data remains. - Physically Clean the Device
If recycling, clean the exterior to prepare it for resale or reuse.
This step ensures your privacy while giving your phone a clean slate for its next purpose.
Final Thoughts
The choices you make about your old phone matter, but so do the actions of companies and governments. Advocate for change by supporting right-to-repair laws, which make it easier for people to fix their devices instead of replacing them. Choose brands that prioritize sustainability, offering longer-lasting products or using recycled materials in manufacturing.
Your old phone doesn’t belong in a drawer or, worse, a landfill. By choosing to sell, donate, trade in, recycle, or repurpose your device, you play a critical role in tackling the e-waste crisis and building a resilient circular economy. So, take that old phone out of hiding and give it a new purpose.
