Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsBefore recycling an old phone or laptop, back up what you want to keep, erase personal data, and check the recycler’s rules—especially for devices with lithium-ion batteries. If a computer still works or can be upgraded, reuse or donation may keep it in service longer. In the U.S., options include local collection programs, retailers, manufacturers, and mail-in services, but accepted devices and terms vary.
1. Decide whether to reuse, donate, or recycle
If a laptop is still useful, consider an upgrade before replacing it. A working device may also be suitable for donation or reuse, which extends its service life. EPA recommends considering upgrades and points consumers to donation and recycling options, but each recipient sets its own acceptance rules: EPA: Electronics Donation and Recycling.
If reuse is not practical, choose a collection or take-back route that explicitly accepts your device. Do not assume that a program accepting phones will also accept laptops, accessories, or every device condition.
2. Back up and erase your data before handoff
Phones
- Make and verify a backup. Confirm that the photos, contacts, files, and other information you need are available in the backup before erasing the phone. The FTC recommends backing up before getting rid of a phone: FTC: How to Dispose of Your Cell Phone.
- Remove physical cards. Take out the SIM and any SD or memory card. If you will not reuse the SIM, the FTC advises destroying it.
- Unlink accounts and trusted-device access. Check relevant account settings, including trusted devices and multi-factor authentication arrangements, so the old phone is no longer relied on for sign-in or verification. See the FTC’s guidance for upgrading a phone: FTC: How to Protect Your Privacy When You Upgrade Your Phone.
- Sign out and erase using the maker’s instructions. The exact process depends on the phone. Apple, for example, advises signing out and erasing through its prescribed process; manually deleting synced content can also remove it from connected devices and cloud services. Follow the current instructions for your model: Apple: What to do before you sell, give away, or trade in your iPhone or iPad.
Laptops and computers
- Back up files you want to keep. The FTC lists transferring files to a new computer, cloud storage, a USB flash drive, or an external hard drive as options. It notes that external drives can offer more capacity and faster transfers than USB flash drives: FTC: How to Dispose of Old Computers.
- Erase the drive with the operating system’s current reset or erase function. Use instructions for the computer’s operating system and model rather than assuming a phone reset procedure applies.
- Only hand it over after the backup and erase are complete. If you are donating the computer, check whether the recipient has any additional preparation requirements.
3. Handle lithium-ion batteries carefully
The EPA says: “Lithium-ion batteries and devices containing these batteries should NOT go in household garbage or recycling bins.” Check local guidance for electronics and battery collection; a battery may need to be handled separately. EPA guidance is available at Electronics Donation and Recycling.
#1 Best Overall
- PCR: Made of post-consumer recycled resin for commercial recycling use
- BUILT-IN HANDLES: Enable easier lifting and carrying
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- EASY TO CLEAN: Texture and design prevent liquid and debris build up for easy cleaning
Mailing rules depend on the program and carrier. Apple’s own recycling instructions say not to ship loose batteries, to discharge a whole device below 30%, and not to ship a device with a swollen, damaged, or defective battery. For an eligible whole device, Apple also provides packing instructions. These are Apple program requirements, not universal shipping rules; check the current recipient’s instructions and applicable carrier rules before sending anything: Apple Trade In and recycling.
4. Choose a route that accepts your device
| Route | What to verify |
|---|---|
| Reuse, donation, or upgrade | Whether the device works or can be upgraded, and whether the intended recipient accepts its model and condition. EPA recommends considering upgrades and donation; acceptance is specific to the recipient. EPA guidance. |
| Manufacturer take-back | Eligible devices, geographic availability, mail or drop-off options, data-preparation steps, and battery and packaging rules. Apple describes free recycling for Apple devices, including devices without trade-in value; check its current terms. Apple program. |
| Retailer or wireless provider | Accepted device types, quantity limits, fees, and whether the service is recycling or a trade-in. The FTC identifies manufacturers, wireless providers, and local electronics stores as places to check; that does not mean every provider accepts every device. FTC phone disposal guidance. |
| Local electronics or household hazardous-waste facility | Whether it accepts the device and its battery, along with hours, fees, and drop-off rules. EPA recommends checking state and community facilities; local programs differ. EPA guidance. |
| Mail-in recycler | Whether your model and battery condition are accepted, and the current label, packaging, and shipping terms. Google describes mail-in and local drop-off options for its U.S. recycling program; verify eligibility in the current flow. Google Store: Recycle your old device. |
Before committing, compare eligibility and condition rules, local availability, drop-off versus mail-in convenience, any credit versus recycling-only outcome, and battery or packaging restrictions. Check the provider’s current terms before visiting or shipping.
Rank #2
- Recycling & Garbage Bin: This spacious blue bin makes waste disposal and recycling easy. With a generous capacity, it’s designed to help you collect and sort rubbish efficiently.
- Blue Waste Bin: Measuring 22.25" L x 17.25" W x 14.25" H, this recycling trash can offers a 17-gallon capacity and weighs only 3.92 lbs. It has a low profile and fits discreetly in any space.
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- Create a Gracious Home: At Gracious Living, we’re committed to making innovative and high-quality products to help people live more organized and gracious lives in homes they love.
5. Keep trade-in credit separate from recycling
A program may offer credit for an eligible device, accept it only for recycling, or decline it. Trade-in value is not guaranteed, and eligibility can depend on the model, condition, location, and current program terms. Apple says devices ineligible for trade-in can still be recycled through its program at no charge; confirm current availability and instructions before using that route: Apple Trade In and recycling.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Why responsible recycling matters
EPA reports historical estimates attributed to a 2006 U.S. Geological Survey estimate: recycling one million laptops saves energy equivalent to the annual electricity use of more than 3,500 U.S. homes. The same 2006 estimate says that recycling every million cell phones can recover 35,000 pounds of copper, 772 pounds of silver, 75 pounds of gold, and 33 pounds of palladium. These are historical estimates, not current measured outcomes: EPA: Electronics Donation and Recycling.
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Quick Recap
Best Value
- PACK OF 6: Comes with 6 18 Gal Recycling Boxes for use in various areas of a home or business
- PCR: Made of post-consumer recycled resin for home or commercial recycling use
- BUILT-IN HANDLES: Enable easier lifting and carrying
- DESIGNED TO EASILY STACK: Designed to stack or nest for easy storage when not in use
- DURABLE: Commercial grade construction to withstand years of indoor and outdoor use
Rank #4
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Rank #3
- PCR: Made of post-consumer recycled resin for commercial recycling use
- BUILT-IN HANDLES: Enable easier lifting and carrying
- DESIGNED TO EASILY STACK: Designed to stack or nest for increased productivity
- DURABLE: Commercial grade construction to withstand years of indoor and outdoor use
- EASY TO CLEAN: Texture and design prevent liquid and debris build up for easy cleaning
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