5 Best Places to Recycle Electronics

If you think about it carefully, the modern smartphone era is truly a great time to live in. We’re all walking around with supercomputers in our pockets. Computing power is cheaper than ever. Even amidst high inflation over the past few years, the prices of many electronic products have fallen. But one downside to cheap electronics is that they create a lot of e-waste!

Also called “e-waste,” these massive piles of old computers, laptops, and “planned obsolescence” cell phones take a huge toll on the environment. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), as of 2019, only 17.4% of all e-waste was officially recycled. If e-waste is disposed of incorrectly, such as being dumped in landfills or incinerated, toxic substances may be released into the environment and pose a risk to human health. This is because many home appliances contain heavy metals and toxic chemicals such as lead and mercury.

E-waste must be handled carefully and recycled properly. Don’t just put it in the trash to go to landfill! Whenever you upgrade your smartphone or buy a new laptop, TV, or tablet, you should make an effort to properly recycle your old model. Recycling electronics is important for protecting the planet, and it can also put some extra “green” in your wallet.

Here are some of the best places to recycle your electronics for money, gift cards or the warm euphoria of being a good citizen.

1. Apple, Amazon or Android device manufacturer

If you have an old iPhone, Android phone, Amazon device, or other electronic device like a tablet or laptop, it’s a good idea to check with the manufacturer for trade-in value first. Apple offers trade-in prices of $30-$620 for used iPhones, and you can use the trade-in value as a credit toward the purchase of a new Apple product or Apple gift card.

Amazon’s trade-in program gives you an Amazon gift card when you trade in your old electronics and offers up to 20% off your next Amazon device. Samsung also offers a similar trade-in program that gives you credit to trade in your old device for the purchase of a new Samsung device.

The exact trade-in value you receive will depend on the age and condition of your device. Even if your old phone or laptop isn’t in perfect condition, don’t assume it’s worthless. The device manufacturer may be able to provide you with enough credit for your used device to make your next purchase more affordable.

How much you can get with your old phone: I conducted a test to see how much you could afford for the iPhone 11, and here’s what Apple suggests: $180 credit Buy a new Apple or $165 Apple Gift Card. Amazon offered me Trade-in value $161.

2. Cellcell

If you want to get cash for your old phone instead of company credit, try Sellcell (sellcell.com). The website aggregates offers from over 40 used electronics buyback companies and promises to provide “maximum cash coverage for your phone.” Cellphones aren’t the only devices you can sell on Sellcell. The site also offers cash offers on a variety of used electronics such as tablets, gaming consoles, smartwatches, and more.

How much you can get with your old phone: Sellcell found several cash offers for my old iPhone 11 and the best prices are: $194.75.

3. Gadgets disappear

GadgetGone (gadgetgone.com) is an electronics recycling company that offers instant cash for your old devices. We also pay for some broken devices. GadgetGone says that if it gets a better offer for your device from another buyback company, it will beat that company’s price. The company is accredited by the Better Business Bureau and has strong customer reviews, with a 4.5 out of 5 stars rating on Trustpilot.

How much you can get with your old phone: Assuming my old iPhone 11 is still in “perfect” condition (and it probably is – I never take it out of its Otterbox protective cover), GadgetGone gave me the following suggestions: $166.

4. Cell phone service provider

If you like your phone provider and want to buy a new smartphone while signing a new phone contract, you may want to consider trading in your old phone through your phone company. AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon have electronic recycling trade-in programs that allow you to turn in your old device to buy a new phone at a discount, or receive company credit or gift cards.

How much you can get with your old phone: I checked with T-Mobile and they offered a trade-in program. Trade-in price $95 For my old iPhone 11.

5. Retailers like Best Buy and Target

Major retailers like Best Buy, Target, and Walmart offer store gift cards in exchange for recycling electronic devices. The exact amount of your gift card will depend on the condition of your device, its age, and its overall value on the used market. Get an instant quote online and trade in your electronics to your local store.

How much you can get with your old phone: The Best Buy website gave me the following offer: $90 store gift card For my old iPhone 11.

conclusion

Old smartphones, laptops, and other electronic devices may be worth more money than you think. Don’t throw your old electronics in the trash. Exchange it for cash, credit cards or gift cards, sell it to a new owner or have it recycled properly to help protect the environment. Electronics recycling can be a win-win for both the planet and your personal finances.

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