How to Get Rid of Old Cell Phones

If you have old cell phones accumulating in your drawers or being thrown away in trash bins, you are contributing to one of the fastest-growing environmental issues: electronic waste. Many people are unaware that these devices contain hazardous chemicals that can pollute the environment and harm their health.

Wondering how to get rid of old cell phones responsibly? The good news is that discarding old cell phones doesn’t have to be such complicated and risky, but it may take your time and little effort to do it securely. With the right steps, you can easily handle this process and donate, sell, or recycle your cell phones while ensuring the protection of the data and the environment.

STEP 1: Backup Your Data: Protect Your Digital Life:

Before you explore where do you get rid of old cell phones, ensure that you protect your personal information, whether it is contacts, account details, pictures, or videos, so that you can start your next journey with your new device smoothly, without any stress of losing data or compromising your privacy.

Whether you are an iPhone or an Android user, save your valuable digital information first in the following ways and then properly dispose of old cell phones.

For Android Users:

Android mobile phones possess a straightforward backup system and a streamlined process. Just follow the following simple steps.

Google Backup:

To back up data from your old Android phone to Google Drive, then

1. Go to the “settings,”

2. Enter “system,”

3. Then press the “backup data” option and

4. Enable “backup to Google Drive.”

Then confirm your Google account and proceed with the backup process by selecting what information you want to keep and what information doesn’t need backup.

OEM Apps:

Another way to back up your data is to use original equipment manufacturer apps. For Android, there are apps like “Samsung Smart Switch” or “OnePlus Switch.” These apps easily transfer your data from one device to another without any hassle, and they are designed specifically for the Android brand.

NOTE: If you are switching from an Apple device to a Samsung, then use the “Move to iOS” app for secure data transfer.

Manual Backup:

You can also use other devices like USBs, SD cards, or another external storage device to save your data. For this, you need first to connect your phone to that external device and enable the “file transfer” option and copy/paste all your personal information, like photos, videos, contacts, or work files.

Backup Media:

You can secure photos and videos separately in the cloud. To do this, go to “Google Photos,” open your profile, and select “photos settings” > “backup and sync.” By enabling that option, all your media, including photos and videos, will be uploaded to Google Cloud, and you can access them anytime by signing in to your account on any device.

For iPhone Users:

iCloud Backup:

To back up your data, follow these simple steps and get done with it in no time.

Go to the settings and click your name. Select iCloud > iCloud Backup and tap on the "Back Up Now” option to save all your apps, data, information, or settings. 

iTunes Backup:

To address this, first connect your iPhone to a computer and go to iTunes and Finder. Select “Back Up Now.” It will save all your data on the computer.

• Use Finder for macOS or new technology, and

• iTunes for older Macs and Windows.

Backup Media and Apps:

Like Android, you can use iCloud Photos to back up media separately. Enable iCloud Photos through Settings > Your Name > iCloud > Photos.

STEP 2: Disable Accounts or Tracking Apps From Your Old Cell Phones

Make sure that you have logged out of all your accounts and disabled tracking apps on your cell phone before getting rid of it. For example, on iPhones, there is the “Find My iPhone” feature that needs to be disabled for secure wiping of your data. 

If your accounts remain active, it could cause serious data security problems, i.e., unauthorized access to your personal information, contacts, or confidential work files.  Signing out of your accounts gives you peace of mind that this device is no longer connected to you. After that, carefully wipe all data and proceed with the disposal process.

STEP 3: Remove the SIM and SD card

Remove your SD card from your cell phone if there is any before wiping your old cell phone, so that your information on the card stays protected. If it remains in the phone during wiping, it could also delete data from it. Both your SIM card and SD card should be removed when you discard old cell phones to enhance privacy and prevent data misuse.

This step is critical when you are considering how to get rid of old cell phones.

STEP 4: Perform a Factory Reset and Wipe it Clean.

After backing up your personal information, the next step is to wipe it clean to avoid any security risks and misplacement of your private information. Erasing your device ensures that your sensitive information doesn’t fall into the wrong hands.  Simple deleting and formatting doesn’t help in this digital world; specialist hackers can easily extract data that has been deleted.

For Android:

To factory reset the Android phone

●   Go to the “settings.”

●   Open “system” and

●   Tap on “reset” options

●   Select “erase all data” for a factory reset.

These steps will ensure that your device data is unrecoverable.

For iPhone:

To factory reset the iPhone

●   Go to the “settings.”

●   Select “general” and

●   Open “transfer or reset iPhone.”

●   Select the “Erase all content and settings” option for complete erasure.

STEP 5: Maximize Value and Minimize Waste: Explore Cell Phone Disposal Options.

Wondering how should old mobile phones be disposed of securely? After preparing your device by backing up data, disabling accounts and apps, and resetting your old cell phone, it is time to choose how to dispose old cell phones securely and wisely.

You should choose a method according to your priorities; either you want to earn some profit, do charity, or just want to get rid of old cell phones. The following are some disposal methods you should consider.

1. Selling Your Old Phone for Cash or Credit

If your phone is still functional and has minor issues, you can sell it on different online platforms, such as Facebook Marketplace or eBay. There are also other buyback services, like Gazelle, that offer instant prices.

Moreover, you can take the device back to the manufacturer and, in exchange for your old phone, get a credit for a new device. Apple trade-in services, Google stores, or others offer credits, and you can get valuable discounts with this. 

Also, you can sell them in retailer shops like Best Buy or Amazon, which offer a seamless process and competitive prices.  

2. Donating to Make a Difference

If you are not interested in profits and want to do something good, donate your old cell phones to those who actually need them. You can donate them to women's shelters, orphanages, and local non-profits.

Donations not only help others, but you can also enjoy great tax benefits, as donations help you reduce tax amounts favorably. Keep your donation receipts and devices’ market value certificates to get a favorable tax deduction.   

3. Repurposing: Reinvent Your Old Device

You can use your old device for creative purposes, such as

• For smart purposes like a music player, a remote control, a security camera, or a podcast device.

• For educational purposes, like installing educational apps or keeping a monitor on your child.

• For emergency purposes, such as keeping it charge during travelling  

With these strategies, you’ll not have to dispose of old mobile phones, and you can use them efficiently for your own benefit.  

4. Responsible Old Cell Phone Recycling

Participate in manufacturers' recycling programs; either you exchange it for credit or recycle it for free. Samsung, Apple, or Google offer free mail-in or drop-off recycling services.

Certified recyclers: Bring your old cell phones to certified and known recycling centres that handle the recycling process efficiently, like Atlanta Ewaste Solutions, which focuses on environment friendly procedures and handles hazardous materials responsibly. Also, if you want to recycle old Computers, you can easily do so with us.

Standout Tips for Secure Disposal

A few small steps can increase the device's worth and bring more benefits to you; these are

• Unlock your phone; this will increase your resale and donation value and attract more customers.

• Sell with original packaging, charger, or other accessories, and polish the device thoroughly to increase resale price.

• Compare values from different platforms so that you can get maximum profit for your old cell phones.

• Search for reputable platforms and avoid scammers. Verify everything before handing out your phone to the other party.

FAQs:

How does Atlanta E-Waste Solutions help me get rid of old cell phones?

At Atlanta E-Waste Solutions, we provide certified recycling and disposal services with all necessary certifications, including data destruction certificates and donation receipts. We also provide competitive prices based on your mobile phone’s value and a transparent and smooth process.

Even if you have cell phones in bulk quantity, we offer free pickup services and on-site data destruction in demand of the customer. Your cell phone is securely recycled at our facility. By knowing all the simple steps of how to get rid of old cell phones, you’ll be contributing to sustainable ecosystem.

Can I sell a phone with a cracked screen?

Absolutely, you can sell damaged cell phones, but it will affect your device value and minimize cost. Consider repairing it first to obtain maximum value. If you are wondering, “What is the trade-in value for a damaged phone?” then contact the manufacturer and get the details, because it is not certain; it can vary depending on the mobile’s condition.

Many platforms, such as Gazelle or Atlanta Ewaste Solutions, accept damaged phones and give you resale or recycling value depending on the condition and model of your phone.

Are there any legal risks to improper disposal?

Don’t think about how to throw away cell phone because avoidance of e-waste laws can cause serious legal penalties and affect your business reputation. Contact with specialist recycler like Atlanta E-waste Solutions to properly dispose of old cell phones with legal compliance. 

Contact Us to Get Rid of Old Cell Phones

𝐂𝐚𝐥𝐥: +1 (404) 850-3717

𝐄𝐦𝐚𝐢𝐥: recycle@ewasteatl.com