Donating old cell phones helps people in need and reduces e-waste. Local shelters, veterans' groups, nonprofits, and recyclers accept phones for refurbishment, resale, or material recovery. Prepare your device by backing up data, removing SIM/memory cards, and doing a factory reset. Check acceptance guidelines before donating and consider including working chargers or cases.

Why donate old phones?

Your unused cell phone still has value - for someone and for the planet. Donating old phones puts communication tools into the hands of people who need them (survivors of domestic violence, low-income families, veterans, students) and keeps hazardous e-waste out of landfills. Many nonprofits and recyclers refurbish working phones or responsibly recycle components.

Who benefits?

  • Survivors of domestic violence and people seeking emergency help.
  • Veterans and active-duty military who need low-cost ways to stay connected.
  • Low-income households and community programs that provide basic phones or wireless minutes.
  • Charities and social services that raise funds by recycling or reselling devices.

Where to donate

Look for well-established local or national options: community shelters, veterans' organizations, nonprofit recyclers, or drop-off programs run by charities and some retail stores. Many organizations publish their acceptance criteria online. If you prefer, reputable thrift stores and electronics recyclers accept phones for refurbishment.

How to prepare your phone

  1. Back up any data you want to keep (photos, contacts).
  1. Remove the SIM card and any memory cards.
  1. Sign out of accounts and perform a factory reset to erase personal data. On iPhones this means signing out of iCloud first; on Android, remove any device protection lock before resetting.
  1. Include a charger or case only if it still works, and check the recipient's guidelines about accessories.
Follow the donor instructions from the organization you choose - some accept nonworking phones for parts and recycling, others only accept devices that power on.

Environmental and social impact

Donating or recycling phones reduces electronic waste and allows recovery of metals and plastics. Refurbished phones extend device lifespans and bring connectivity to people who otherwise couldn't afford it. Where charities resell phones, proceeds often fund services such as emergency hotlines, shelters, or veteran support programs.

Quick checklist before you donate

  • Is the phone powered on and does it charge? If not, some programs still accept it for recycling.
  • Have you wiped your data and removed accounts?
  • Did you check the organization's current acceptance policy and drop-off or mail instructions?
Make a decision today: a device you no longer need can be a lifeline for someone else while keeping toxic materials out of the waste stream.

FAQs about Donate Used Cell Phones

Can I donate a broken or nonworking phone?
Yes. Many recyclers and some charities accept broken phones for parts or material recovery. Confirm the organization's policy before sending - some programs only accept devices that power on.
What should I do to remove my personal data?
Back up anything you want to keep, remove the SIM and memory cards, sign out of accounts, and perform a factory reset. For iPhones, sign out of iCloud first; for Android, remove device protection locks before resetting.
Where is the best place to donate my phone?
Consider local domestic violence shelters, veterans' organizations, community nonprofits, reputable thrift stores, or certified electronics recyclers. Many charities and retailers list donation or mail-in instructions on their websites.
Will donating my phone help the environment?
Yes. Refurbishing extends device lifespans and keeps hazardous materials out of landfills. Recycling recovers valuable metals and plastics for reuse, reducing the need for new raw materials.
Should I include the charger or accessories?
Only include accessories that still work, and check the recipient's guidelines. Some programs prefer just the device to simplify processing.

News about Donate Used Cell Phones

How to recycle your mobile phone - which.co.uk [Visit Site | Read More]

7 Ways To Donate Old Cell Phones - Clark Howard [Visit Site | Read More]

Don't Trash Your Old Tech: You Can Recycle Your Phone and Large Appliances Free - CNET [Visit Site | Read More]

10 places where you can donate your old phone to charity - Android Authority [Visit Site | Read More]

5 Ways to Donate Your Old Smartphone or Cell Phone to Charity - HowStuffWorks [Visit Site | Read More]

Donating your old mobile phone could help save someone's life - 9Now [Visit Site | Read More]

CSPD asks you to donate used cell phones for domestic violence survivors - KOAA News 5 [Visit Site | Read More]

UTC police department asking for electronic device donations for abuse victims - Local 3 News [Visit Site | Read More]