how to donate an old cell phone

by Cade Dooley 7 min read

Where to Donate Your Old Cell Phone
  1. 911 Cell Phone Bank. ...
  2. American Cell Phone Drive. ...
  3. Cell4Pets. ...
  4. Cell Phones for Soldiers. ...
  5. eBay for Charity. ...
  6. Goodwill. ...
  7. Medic Mobile. ...
  8. National Coalition Against Domestic Violence.
Feb 5, 2021

Where to donate old cell phones locally?

Sell fast & donate the cash. Many phones are worth $100+. Find the value of your phone. National Coalition Against Domestic Violence Sells used phones and uses the proceeds to combat domestic violence. Second Wave Recycling Proceeds go toward the cause of your choice, including charities related to the military, environment, and children.

How do you dispose of used cell phones?

Oct 02, 2020 · Go into the phone settings, find the accounts menu, select your account and delete/sign out. Keep in mind that the phone may need a WiFi connection or cellular signal to perform this step. Conduct a Factory Reset

Where to drop off old cell phones?

If you are donating an iPhone 4 or newer, remember to turn off Find My iPhone and sign out of icloud. If you are donating a google phone, remove your google account. 3. Erase All Data. If your phone has a SIM card, please remove it prior to donating. Search your make and model for …

How to dispose of old cell phones?

Aug 20, 2019 · There are two easy ways: First, you can find a donation site near you. Cell Phones For Soldiers has thousands of collection sites all over the country, hosted by generous partner businesses and organizations, and you can find them by …

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What should I do with very old cell phones?

Fortunately, there's an easy answer to this environmental problem: Clear out your drawers of old phones and recycle them. You can trade in your device for credit towards a new phone with your mobile carrier, sell it online, donate it to a charitable organization or recycle it with your other e-waste.Dec 17, 2017

How do I prepare a cell phone for donations?

Go to the Settings menu, tap General, select Reset, then Erase All Content. With an Android phone, conduct a factory reset by tapping Menu, then select Settings, Privacy, and Factory Data Reset. To remove all data, press Reset Phone.Sep 20, 2016

Should I remove the SIM card before donating my phone?

With everything backed up, unpaired, and signed out, you are now safe to remove your SIM card (and memory card, if you have an Android phone). “Not only will those have personal information saved on them [like contacts or photos], but you may be able to reuse them in your new phone,” Prouty explains.Jan 22, 2021

Do you need to remove SIM card when recycling phone?

Just as you do not want to lose those precious files on your phone, you definitely don't want them falling into the hands of a stranger. That is why, once you back everything up, it is recommended to remove the SIM card and any other memory cards on the device to protect your personal security.Oct 2, 2020

What do I do with an old cell phone?

Providing the phone still works, you can donate your old smartphone to a number of charities that have partnered with cell phone refurbishing compa...

Are old cell phones worth anything?

Old cell phones aren’t worth much because there isn't much demand for them. If it’s not particularly old (just used), then you can try reselling it...

Is it safe to use an old Android phone?

Since old smartphones and android phones do not come with the now-required safety configurations, it may not be safe for you to use them to store a...

What was the very first smartphone?

The very first smartphone was launched by IBM in 1992 and was released to the general public for purchase in 1994. This device wasn't entirely comp...

Is Android 5 still safe?

While Android 5 lacks the security patches that make the smartphones of today safe, you can still use it. However, consider updating it with extern...

How much of cell phones are recycled?

Even so, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency currently estimates only about 20 percent of all cell phones are recycled [source: LeBlanc ]. Most cell phone providers have drop-off bins or mail-in programs to make recycling your old phone easy, but there are lots of ways you can recycle your phone and give to others. ...

When was the first smartphone invented?

The very first smartphone was launched by IBM in 1992 and was released to the general public for purchase in 1994. This device wasn't entirely compact and was soon replaced by more innovative versions.

What are cell phones made of?

They're are made with precious metals, copper and plastics, all of which can be recycled to make new products. Even so, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency currently estimates only about 20 percent ...

What does NCADV do?

The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV) collects cell phones to help fund their programs. They accept phones and partner with Cellular Recycler, which sells refurbished electronics. Some of the funds from those sales then goes back to NCADV. They'll also accept other types of old electronics, too, including old laptops, digital cameras, video game consoles, and MP3 players, along with all of the related charging cords and accessories.

What is second wave recycling?

Second Wave Recycling is an organization that accepts older phones, iPods and MP3 players, tablets and e-readers, handheld gaming devices, smart watches and even charging cables. Newer and functional devices are refurbished and then sold for cash. Older devices are recycled. The money from those processes is donated to fund a designated charity. Second Wave is actively funding the Wounded Warrior Project, which offers support services for military personnel who've been hurt while serving the U.S., but the organization has supported other causes, too, including charities that benefit medical patients, domestic abuse survivors, animals rescues, and many others. You can choose which charity to support.

What is Medic Mobile?

Medic Mobile recycles and refurbishes old phones and tablets and uses the funds to buy mobile devices that medical workers use on the job in 26 countries, mostly in Asia, Latin America, or Africa. These devices register pregnancies, track disease outbreaks, and communicate about medical emergencies. Advertisement.

What is the second wave?

Second Wave is actively funding the Wounded Warrior Project, which offers support services for military personnel who've been hurt while serving the U.S. , but the organization has supported other causes, too, including charities that benefit medical patients, domestic abuse survivors, animals rescues, and many others.

What is the National Coalition against Domestic Violence?

National Coalition Against Domestic Violence Sells used phones and uses the proceeds to combat domestic violence. Second Wave Recycling Proceeds go toward the cause of your choice, including charities related to the military, environment, and children.

What is Gospel for Asia?

Gospel for Asia Sells donated phones to fund missionaries, operate schools, and provide Bibles and livestock to needy villages in Asia. Teen Challenge of Arizona Uses the proceeds from donated smartphones to help people overcome life-controlling problems.

What to do when upgrading to a new phone?

The next time you upgrade to a new cell phone, don't toss your old unit in the trash. Instead, donate it to a charitable organization that collects, reprograms and refurbishes this type of equipment to give to people who are in need. Choose one of the national organizations described above or look for a similar program in your local community.

What is 911 cell phone bank?

The 911 Cell Phone Bank accepts donations of used cell phones that are used to provide support and assistance to participating law enforcement entities and charitable organizations that provide services to victims throughout the United States. Nonprofit organizations that choose to participate in the program are asked to collect used phones and send them to the Cell Phone Bank. A donation is made for each phone received. Depending on condition and technology, some donated phones are recycled while others are refurbished and provided to participating law enforcement agencies as needed. You can send phones to them in the mail with a downloadable label or request a pickup if you have ten or more.

What is recycling for charities?

Charitable organizations looking for a way to raise money can sign up to participate in the Recycling for Charities program. Individuals and groups that donate old phones to be recycled are able to select the nonprofit they'd like to support from the list of participating charities when they print shipping labels for their donations. The selected charity receives a cash donation for each phone donated on its behalf. Donations are recycled and sold, making this program a win-win arrangement for the company collecting the equipment, the charities that benefit financially from donations and the environment.

What is second wave recycling?

Second Wave Recycling will take donations of used cellphones that are working or non-working, as well as tablets. They sell the phones to raise funds for the Wounded Warrior Project and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. All you need to do is download a self-paid shipping label from their website if you have one or two items, or a pre-paid shipping label if you have three or more. If you have over 100 items, they can arrange for special shipping arrangements.

What is Medic Mobile?

They will take donated cell phones and sell them and use the funds to support their programs, specifically using it to purchase much-needed technology for doctors and healthcare workers to operate more efficient ly. Phones do not need to be working to be donated. You can print a free shipping label and download your charitable deduction receipt right from their website.

What is the VA Advantage?

Veterans Advantage. This non-profit provides benefits for active duty military, veterans and their families on services like prescription drugs, financial planning and insurance. They will take used cell phones, as well as laptops, tablets, printer cartridges, ereaders and any other small, portable electronic devices.

Does NCADV take cell phones?

NCADV takes donated cell phones and sells them through Cellular Recycler to raise money for their organization. In addition to phones they also take laptops, MP3 players, video game systems and phone accessories like chargers, cords, and cases. If you donate three or more items, you can get free shipping to mail your items directly to them.

How often do people throw away cell phones?

Statistics suggest that around 130 million cell phones are tossed aside annually, which is not surprising considering most Americans get a new cell phone every 18 to 24 months. Whether you’re looking to upgrade your current phone or cleaning out the junk drawer, you cannot simply throw cell phones in the trash. Electronic waste is a big concern in the United States. According to a UN report, only 20% discard their old phones properly.

Why do you need to remove SIM card?

That is why, once you back everything up, it is recommended to remove the SIM card and any other memory cards on the device to protect your personal security. Occasionally, SIM cards store contact information and other personal data.

What is a factory reset?

A factory reset is a built-in feature most cell phones have. The software erases any internal memory left on the device. It is referred to as a “factory reset” because it returns your phone to the state it was in when it left the factory.

What is the EPA certification for e-waste disposal?

There are currently two accredited certifications recognized by the EPA for e-waste disposal and recycling – the Responsible Recycling Practices (R2) and the e-Stewards standards. Both certification programs share practices that ensure the responsible recycling and disposal of used electronics. Ask About Data Security.

prepaid

CPFS will pay for your shipping if you plan to ship 10 phones or more.

Self-Paid

Thank you for taking the extra step to cover shipping costs for your donated devices! Not only is your device donation tax deductible but so are the shipping costs.

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