We rarely think about what to do with old broken cell phones until we face this issue. Trowing out mobile devices does seem not like a good idea not only is security matter but we realize that old cell phones get into landfills destroying the environment, so is there any recycling center or program to dispose of old broken phones?
Old electronics is a hazardous waste as it contains dangerous components such as plastic covers that should be recycled in special centers not to harm our planet, lithium-ion batteries causing an explosion to temperature extremes, and other harmful substances.
So, as soon as you get a new phone, deleted all personal data, and are ready to get rid of your old device, visit a local recycling center that accepts broken cell phones and other electronics to dispose of or a secondary market to benefit from it.
What to do with old broken cell phones: to recycle or to sell?
From time to time, we all change our phone in case it is not fashionable anymore, it is not powerful enough, the cracked screen exhausts, or we want a new device. Some people keep old phones at home as a memory, or they do not know how cell phones should be properly disposed of.
There are several options to consider and choose what is best for you.
It is a good idea to sell your old device on the secondary market. Even if you cannot give a second life, you may benefit and get some money from selling or exchanging it for credit on a new device you like. An old cell phone may be used as additional components for repairing other devices or recycled.
Or you may take your sim card, SD card, the cell phone battery away and leave your old phone separately in a center for recycling.
Modern cell phones are made of valuable materials and precious metals such as gold, silver, and platinum that can be recycled.
You cannot do it on your own, but in special centers, these elements will be removed and reused.
Approximately 80% of cell phone is available for recycling. But being thrown out, they are extremely harmful to the environment as both cell phones and other electronics contain toxic chemicals which are kept in groundwater, air, and soil.
How to recycle old broken cell phones?
Currently, over 100 billion old cell phones are disposed of out each year. Often this waste ends up being dumped in landfills, which should be avoided by removing it. Toxic substances such as mercury, lead, and bromine are often used for battery manufacturing and in cell phones. If they are not properly reused, cell phones can damage the environment.
As well as contaminating the environment with harmful chemicals such as lead abrasions, these can cause serious health problems. All cell phones include mercury which is known to cause brain problems, muscular disorders, and other health problems. Meanwhile, lead in phones causes cancer and brain damage.
Containing precious metals such as gold, platinum, and silver also proves a cost-effective waste of time and increases greenhouse gas emissions being thrown as garbage.
Eco ATM
An Eco ATM is essentially an automated kiosk collecting old damaged cell phones and other electronics and returning cash. Yes, if your old cell phone has any resell value, the machine will pay you back!
There’s no arguing with strangers.
It is beneficial to leave a broken cell phone in any condition and to get a few bucks in cash back.
Eco ATM works closely with R2-approved reusable e-waste disposal sites to ensure that mobile devices are disposed of properly and are not thrown away. Several grocery store chains use Eco ATMs within easy reach of the checkout lines.
Mobile carrier trade-in programs
Numerous cell phone manufacturers offer trade-in programs for older models that are still in good working condition. If you want information regarding a broken cell phone, you should check out their website, but they usually pick up the cell phone via email or at their local center.
Some of the programs offer a trade-in program by buying your old phone to ensure it is properly reused and in any case, you benefit from the trade-in as you receive either a discount for a new phone or cash back.
Apple company’s renewal program suggests to trade in old iPhones, iPads, and iPods and receiving gift cards.
Local government collections
Several local government agencies and organizations are highlighting a few places where residents can pick out their old broken phones and recycle them.
Call the local city government to find the programs they offer in your region.
Many municipal waste companies gather yearly hazardous electrical devices, and you can easily get rid of your old cell phone even from your home for free.
Drop-off sites
Some manufacturers and retailers accept old electronics to recycle. Some retail stores such as Best Buy, Office Depot, and Staples offer the option to take out electronics for free. Usually, you’re gonna call them before getting a reply.
So, as you may see there are several options for you to choose from, select the one that suits you best to get rid of your broken cell phone, and do not forget there were options where you even can benefit and get not much cash. But never drop your cell phone in a garbage bin as household waste.
Is illegal to throw away broken cell phones?
Most countries do not have any law that forbids and prevents people from throwing away broken cell phones. But in the US, several states signed an official regulation on how to recycle and prohibit storing e-waste in landfills.
E-waste reclamation facilities in Canada proclaim that cell phones as well as other electronic garbage should be properly disposed of to prevent the global e-waste problem with tons of hazardous waste all over the world.
The United Nations mentioned that the poorest countries are in charge of e-waste disposal and putting their health, lives, and all nature at risk.
In Europe, there is still no law that prohibits throwing e-waste away, but it is in the process. Anyway, there is a law forbidding the exportation of hazardous waste signed in 1994 demands local state members collect electronic garbage and recycle it properly.
What should I do to sell my cell phone?
Several companies buy used phones from society for money. It happens, no matter what condition your cell phone has. Such companies fix and resell the devices and supplies at higher prices if they are in good condition, and when it is not possible, they should be removed or recycled. Some smartphones are lucky to receive a second life.
SellMyMobile is a well-known comparison website that helps you find the perfect mobile deals for a new cell phone. Compare offers. Select a price. Send an email and get paid. It’s so easy. Similar websites operate like Sellcell and Decluttr.
In addition, you may want to consult a specialized electronics shop in the area. The company generally accepts older broken cell phones and offers small cash back.
How to prepare a broken cell phone?
The first step is you should remove or replace all your personal information, addresses, contact numbers, applications, images, and other personal data with setting on your new smartphone.
Start by backing up your data onto an SD card, and then transfer it onto a hard drive. Storing information on a new cell phone is the most essential step, and it usually takes time.
If it’s an Android phone, then transferring files via USB will happen automatically from it.
Go to the Settings folder and check your account is unconnected from any Bluetooth accessories like headphones and speaker systems.
A factory reset will be pretty useful for you when you stored your information somewhere and now want to delete the data from your mobile phone. Read your owner’s manual before starting, then remove the system files of your smartphone with an automatic restore procedure. It also wipes off all customizations as well as installation files.
The next step should take place by removing SD cards.
How do you dispose of a cell phone battery?
Do not forget that old phones include batteries that require separate recycling. Household waste such as batteries must be taken responsibly from hazardous waste disposal sites. Check if your provider offers a program for returning a mobile phone.
Some supermarkets and even small shops have a special box that accepts used batteries of all sizes, you can easily leave it there. Other recycling programs include Pickup Please, Call2 Recycle, and Second Wave Recycling.
Check if your phone is covered under warranty
Usually, the old broken cell phone may have minor damage, but you have no idea what to do with it except to resell it. Check the receipt or warranty card of the cell device and make sure it can be repaired. You can use the Settings menu to see if the phone has a warranty period.
Bring your phone to a repair shop
Your phone could be in proper condition, but you suppose it is broken. Usually, your closest repair shop will be able to repair your phone for you at reasonable prices. Small repair issues such as faulty batteries, broken chargers, or broken screens should not pose any trouble.
Can I recycle my old cell phone for money?
Yeah. Eco ATM allows you to sell electronic goods with good resale value to the consumer. Some companies such as Sell My Mobile and Declutter also buy old broken cell components and then recycle them.
Contact your service provider as there is a possibility that a company allows a trade-in or other similar services for broken cell phones, that is the most suitable way for people to recycle their old phones neither put them in a junk drawer.
Manufacturer repair service
Some companies, including Samsung, Huawei, Apple, and LG, are offering free mail recycling for cell phones for free. Visit their website and contact customer support for detailed repairs or recycling services.
How does improper disposal of cell phones affect the environment?
Cell phones can cause contamination to the environment by improper disposal, and the chemicals in these phones may cause contamination in our waterways as well. This may cause serious harm to mankind, nature, and animals.
These toxins are heavy metals, such as lead and cadmium, and are all documented in their impact. For instance, lead causes cancer and brain injury. A similar happens to mercury, which causes neurodegeneration and other health problems.
Contamination of soils and water
In natural ways, the toxic substances have been absorbed in our waters and soil — naturally. The contamination will also cause harm to our habitat. Our food is grown using good water and healthy groundwater, so its purity is important not only for our enjoyment but also health and life.
E-waste also requires more resources than most would think, and the costs are much higher than expected. There are a lot of options to recycle or even to get some money for electronic garbage or other similar services, and we should try to leave our planet healthier.
I believe that most people are aware of eating foods grown on soils that are highly contaminated and swimming in rivers, lakes, and streams containing high levels of heavy toxins. It is our planet, and our health, and proper usage and disposal of your device help to save nature.
Pollution of air
Incinerators are used to remove electronic wastes from contaminated sites. It may be used to reduce or sort waste that is sent to a landfill as a means of recovery of valuable metals from waste. The burning of plastic in electronic components could be toxic or cause dioxins.
If the phone and other electronic devices can be reused illegally, incineration may become dangerous. For protection against incineration in recycling, you should give your old phone/mobile, and electronics to a certified recycler.
Bioaccumulative hazardous substances
E-waste such as cellphone batteries can be used as contaminated food in our ecosystem. They absorb the toxic compounds released and move into the food chain.
The toxic substances present are polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and persistent organic contaminants.
It will eventually enter the human body and eventually grow into our bodies. This has a significant effect on the health of people and is notorious for large fish.
Where to donate old phones?
A cracked lens may cause your smartphone to feel broken. Some people need an internet connection. If someone asks how to get a cell phone for free that still operates, it can be donated to charity.
If we give phones a new place rather than putting them in a dump, we help the world as a stranger who needs something. But before leaving your phone, do not forget to delete all personal data from it. You may factory reset to faster the process.
Should I throw away my broken phone?
In years, these phones will wear off and could be contaminated by dangerous substances. Throwing electronic devices in some states is illegal. So, you shouldn’t throw your phone, you’d better resell it or leave it for being reused.
Are broken phones worth anything?
Yes, they do. Depending on the model, they contain costless materials and can be sold, but usually, 80% is lower on phones of good quality.
What is the best way to get rid of old cell phones?
Find nearby recycling centers in the city. The local centers can provide various recycling services apart from Electronic Waste, so it is important to inquire directly with an organization if they provide e-waste recycling.
Or you may bring them for further usage in the secondhand market.
How much can I get for an old broken phone?
Generally, depending on the buyback company you decide on, you get up to 80% of the new phone’s price. If your phone has a cracked screen or frames, you should look around 60-50%. Faulty gadgets are typically as small as 10% of their brand value.
Conclusion
Within years, it is a typical question, what to do with old broken cell phones. The most common way is to bring it to a special center that accepts such equipment for further processing. But you may also benefit by giving it for components to repair or for a discount buying a newer model.
The only option you should avoid is to put your old cell into a garbage bin, as it is dangerous for the whole planet.