If you’ve recently upgraded your phone, you might be wondering what to do with the old one. It’s tempting to toss it in a drawer, or even in the trash, and move on. But can you throw away old cell phones, and more importantly, should you?
Why You Shouldn’t Throw Away Old Cell Phones
Technically, yes. It’s possible to throw away an old cell phone. But doing so creates serious risks for both the environment and your personal data. Tossing phones in the trash contributes to hazardous e-waste and leaves personal information vulnerable if not properly erased.
Old phones are considered electronic waste, or e-waste, and often contain hazardous materials that can cause serious harm if not disposed of properly. Components like lead, mercury, and cadmium can leach into the soil and contaminate groundwater, posing risks to human health and wildlife alike.
In addition to the environmental danger, discarded phones can still store personal data, including contacts, messages, and account information. Throwing away a phone without wiping it properly may leave your private information exposed.
There’s also a massive missed opportunity when phones are thrown out. According to the EPA, recycling one million phones can recover up to 75 pounds of gold, 772 pounds of silver, 35,000 pounds of copper, and 33 pounds of palladium. These valuable materials can be reused to reduce the need for mining and manufacturing.
Rather than asking how to throw away cell phones, consider a more meaningful solution: recycle or donate your old device. Doing so helps reduce e-waste, supports reuse of valuable materials, and, through our programs at Cell Phones For Soldiers, even supports military families in need.
How to Dispose of Cell Phones Responsibly
If you’re wondering how to throw away cell phones without harming the environment or risking your personal data, the good news is that there’s a better way. Proper preparation not only ensures your phone is safely recycled or donated, but also protects your privacy and supports more sustainable electronic waste practices. These steps will help you responsibly dispose of any device, whether it’s a phone, tablet, or other small electronics.
Backup & Wipe Your Phone
Start by backing up everything you want to keep from your old device. This may include photos, videos, text messages, contacts, downloaded files, and app data. Most phones offer built-in options for cloud backup, or you can transfer files directly to a new phone or computer using a cable or secure wireless connection.
Once your data is safely stored elsewhere, perform a full factory reset. This erases all personal information, account details, and app histories. For added security, log out of all accounts before resetting the phone. According to the EPA, clearing personal data is a critical step before recycling or donation. It helps protect your privacy and ensures that the next person who uses the device starts with a clean slate.
Remove SIM and SD Cards
Even after a factory reset, your SIM card and SD card may still hold sensitive data. SIM cards often contain contact information, text messages, and phone numbers. SD cards may hold photos, videos, or downloaded files.
Remove both cards from your device and decide whether you want to keep them, reuse them in a new phone, or dispose of them securely. If you’re discarding them, consider cutting them in half or shredding them to prevent data recovery. Just because your phone has been reset doesn’t mean these tiny cards are blank. For anyone wondering “Can you throw away old cell phones,” this is a reminder that sensitive data can still live on SIM or SD cards.
Turn Off Device Tracking Tools
Before handing over your phone for donation or recycling, make sure to turn off any tracking features that tie the device to your personal accounts. For iPhones, this means disabling “Find My iPhone” and signing out of your Apple ID. Android users should remove any linked Google account and turn off device location services.
These steps help prevent the device from being locked or flagged as stolen during reuse. They also make it easier for organizations or recyclers to refurbish the phone for another user. Failing to remove these connections can render a donated phone unusable, even if it’s in perfect working condition.
Remove Batteries (if applicable)
If your phone or tablet has a removable battery, take it out before recycling. Many older models have batteries that can be detached easily, while newer models typically have integrated batteries that require professional removal.
Lithium-ion batteries must never go in the trash. They can overheat, catch fire, or leak harmful chemicals into the environment. Instead, recycle them through an authorized e-waste facility, battery collection program, or participating electronics retailer.
Check the packaging or back of the battery for symbols or warnings. If you’re unsure how to dispose of it, contact a local recycling center or drop-off location for guidance. Safe battery disposal is a key part of protecting both people and the planet from the risks of improper e-waste handling. If you’re still unsure whether recycling is worth the effort. Remember that safe battery disposal is a critical reason why the answer is no.
Safer & More Impactful Alternatives to Throwing Away Phones
Tossing your phone in the trash might seem like the simplest option, but it’s far from the best. Choosing to recycle or donate your device reduces e-waste, conserves valuable materials, and often supports important causes. Whether your phone still works or not, there are safer, smarter ways to handle it.
Donation
Donating your old phone allows it to serve a second purpose, one that can directly support people in need. At Cell Phones For Soldiers, we accept both working and broken phones. Reusable devices may be refurbished and redistributed, while damaged phones are responsibly recycled, generating funds through recovered materials.
Proceeds from these recycled devices help provide emergency financial support to veterans and fund international calling cards for active-duty military personnel. This keeps service members connected to their families and helps ease the transition back to civilian life.
When you donate, your phone becomes more than just an outdated device. It becomes a lifeline for someone else.
E-waste Drop-Off Centers
Many municipalities offer e-waste drop-off centers as part of their waste management programs. These facilities are designed to handle electronics safely, preventing hazardous substances from entering the landfill. Trained professionals separate reusable materials and ensure toxic components like lithium batteries and heavy metals are properly contained.
You can often find these centers at local recycling facilities, transfer stations, or public works departments. Some even accept electronics year-round at no cost. If you’re wondering how to throw away cell phones responsibly, this is one of the most straightforward and eco-conscious options available.
Visit your local government website or contact your waste management provider to find a nearby drop-off location that accepts cell phones and small electronics.
Recycling Events
Community-based recycling events are another accessible way to dispose of your old phone responsibly. These events are often held in partnership with schools, churches, or environmental organizations and provide free, secure collection of electronics for safe processing.
Seasonal recycling drives make it easy to clear out unwanted tech while ensuring it doesn’t end up in the trash. Some events even offer incentives like gift cards or discounts in exchange for electronics, encouraging broader participation.
Keep an eye on local event calendars, city newsletters, or your town’s social media channels to stay informed about upcoming recycling days. Participating in one of these events helps protect the environment and supports broader community sustainability goals.
Why Donate to Cell Phones For Soldiers?
When you donate a phone, you’re doing more than keeping electronics out of landfills, you’re helping to bridge the communication gap between deployed service members and their families. Through CPFS, every device contributes to a larger mission: to support active military and veterans through connectivity, care, and emergency assistance.
With more than 3,000 drop-off locations nationwide, it’s easy to find a drop-off location and participate. You can also use free prepaid shipping if you’re donating 10 or more devices, making it simple for businesses, schools, and community groups to give back.
We accept a wide range of items, including:
- Smartphones and cell phones (working or broken)
- Tablets and MP3 players
- Chargers, accessories, and battery packs
Every item collected helps fund international calling cards, emergency grants, and sustainable recycling efforts. By choosing to donate your old phone, you directly support veterans and military families while helping reduce the environmental impact of e-waste.
Ready to make a difference? Donate your devices today and be part of a mission that honors service through action.
