Recycle, Reuse, or Repurpose Your Old Phone Safely

Preparing Your Old Phone

• 💡 Back up your data before wiping your phone, as a factory reset will erase everything.
• ⚙️ For iPhones, go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Erase All Content and Settings.
• ⚙️ For Android, navigate to Settings > System > Reset Options > Erase All Data (Factory Reset).

Responsible Recycling

• ⚠️ Never throw old phones in the regular trash due to hazardous chemicals like arsenic, lead, and mercury that can contaminate groundwater.
• ♻️ Use resources like calltorecycle.org to find local recycling centers by entering your zip code.
• 🛒 Retailers like PC Richards and Staples may accept old electronics; confirm with them first.

Donating Your Old Phone

• 🤝 Cell Phones for Soldiers provides phones to veterans and active service members; shipping costs may apply for fewer than 10 devices.
• 💖 The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence works with Cellular Recycler to refurbish and resell phones, with proceeds supporting the National Domestic Violence Hotline.
• 🆘 911 Cell Phone Bank erases devices and distributes them to victims of human trafficking and domestic violence.
• 🏥 Secondwave Recycling.com supports causes like the Wounded Warrior Project, St. Jude's Children's Hospital, and the Greater Boston Sickle Cell Association.
• 📞 Secure the Call provides phones to domestic violence victims and seniors, enabling emergency calls even without a SIM card, and ensures non-working devices are recycled.

Repurposing Your Old Phone at Home

• 📷 Turn your old phone into a security camera using apps like Alfred Camera for continuous recording and motion detection.
• 🎮 Use it as a dedicated gaming handheld by loading emulators for classic games or utilizing remote play features for consoles like PS5 or Steam Link.
• 🏠 Transform it into a smart home controller for managing devices via apps like Apple Home or Google Home.
• 🧪 For tech enthusiasts, sign up for beta versions of operating systems (iOS or Android) to test new features without affecting your primary device.

Other Options

• 💰 Consider trading in your phone to a wireless carrier or manufacturer for cash.
• 🧐 Explore the Android Afterlife subreddit for creative and new ways to reuse old phones.