where to donate used cell phones

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...

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 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 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 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. ...

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 ...

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 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 cellular recycler?

Cellular Recycler, a nonprofit organization that specializes in electronic trade-ins, makes it easy to send in your old phone. It also offers a Collection Kit for organizations interested in holding trade-in fundraisers.

What is American Cell Phone Drive?

The American Cell Phone Drive collects devices to distribute in communities across the nation. American Cell Phone Drive works with more than 4,000 organizations, the group says on its website.

Does Pickup Please pick up your phone?

Available in 13 states, Pickup Please will pick up your phone for free and donate the proceeds to Vietnam Veterans of America. All you have to do is schedule a pickup online and a driver will arrive and leave you a tax deduction receipt.

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.

Print a shipping label

New, used, and broken iPhones, iPads, smartphones, tablets, and basic cell phones.

Why Us?

SecondWave’s cell phone recycling program is an effective, yet simple way to support those in need.

Questions?

SecondWave Recycling was started by a family that has a passion for taking care of the environment and making a difference in the community.

What is cell phone for soldiers?

Cell Phones for Soldiers is a nonprofit that works to provide cost-free communication services to active-duty military and veterans. New or gently used mobile phones are accepted and each device valued at $5 turns into 2.5 hours of free talk time for the soldiers.

What is Hope Phones?

4. Hope Phones. The Hope Phones campaign was started in 2009 by Medic Mobile, which works to advance health care in 16 countries by using mobile technology. Individuals, nonprofits, groups, or businesses can host a Hope Phones campaign to donate old phones.

Where is Eco Cell located?

Eco-Cell. Eco-Cell is a Louisville, Kentucky- based e-waste recycling company. It partners with nonprofits and organizations such as the Jane Goodall Institute. Bins are located in coffee shops and other businesses around the country, where the collected phones are shipped to Eco-Cell in Louisville.

What is call2recyle?

Call2Recyle is a no-cost recycling program for batteries and cell phones in the US and Canada. It has collection boxes that can be placed anywhere, which have shipping permits so mailing them is easy. They also have bulk shipping if there is a large amount of recyclables.

Does AT&T have a trade in program?

AT&T has a trade-in program for unwanted phones and accessories regardless of manufacturer or carrier. The owner gets a "promotion card" which can then be used to take money off a new phone or other purchase. Make sure you erase all your information before you turn them in, though.

How to recycle a cell phone?

First and foremost though let’s cover how to prepare your mobile phone for recycling. Some basic tips on preparation for recycling are: 1 If you have up-graded make sure the cell carrier you use transfers all your data to your new device. 2 You will want to factory reset your phone to wipe all your data and remove all your personal information from it. For added security in wiping your cell phone you can also remove your SIM card or SD card if it hasn’t already been transferred to your new phone. 3 If you have an Android take an extra step and encrypt your data, because a factory reset may not entirely wipe your personal data. 4 If possible you should remove the battery from your cell phone for separate recycling.

What is the purpose of cell phones for soldiers?

Cell Phones for Soldiers is another organization that accepts cell phone donations, they sell the phones to a recycler or refurbishing company and use the profits to provide talk time for servicemen stationed overseas, to call home.