How do you safely dispose of old cellphones?

Dutch_12078 wrote:
Verizon's "HopeLine project" website has instructions on donating used cell phones to aid domestic violence victims. There's even a postage free mailing label that can be printed out if there's no Verizon retail store nearby to accept drop offs.

X2 on this. I took my old phones with chargers to the local Verizon store and put them in the bin provided.

GordonThree wrote:
Other than as a childrens toy, there is no use for such old phones - despite advertisements and promotions to the contrary. Snap the flip phones in half and run the flat ones over with your rig. Then toss them in to the closest recycling bin. The only value they have are trace amounts of precious metals.

Not true, not true at all,, I know of several uses for older Cell hones, epically digital ones.

First: Do a FACTORY Reset (you may need to contact your service provider or the manufacturer of the phone) to erase all your personal information, this reaquirs a charger and battery.

Then, Many orginations accept donations of old phones, including the one I work a few hours a week for. IN some areas this includes the Police who distribute to seniors and others in need with 9-1-1 only accounts (Any phone should be able to do 9-1-1 even if you do not have a service agreement or minutes) There are organizations that send them to soldiers overseas (With minutes) so they can call their family. ANd in the case of the newer smart phones there are re-sale sites that can broker a deal for you. EVEN IF NOT WORKING.

I'm having a bit of an issue re-setting my S-III just now.

wife abuse houses take them. recycle plants take them. many hospitals take them, ours does any way

Verizon's "HopeLine project" website has instructions on donating used cell phones to aid domestic violence victims. There's even a postage free mailing label that can be printed out if there's no Verizon retail store nearby to accept drop offs.

Our local police dept had a drop box for them (not sure if they still do). They would send them to some outfit that I think would give them out to cellular-less people as emergency 911 phones.

Maxi Signal wrote:

I have kept all mine. Tom Brady has an assistant destroy his.

Ha! Well played. :)

Obviously some turn them in because if you damage your phone for $200 deductible you get a re-conditioned piece of **** phone that is basically worn out. Well at least they they somewhat honor the insurance. Altell tries to extend your agreement terms and give you a 99 cent throw away. I smash them with a hammer when it is time for a new phone.

If no local charity will take them, do a factory reset, remove the SIM card and recycle them free of charge at BestBuy.

Wrace wrote:
My wife and I have a number of old cellphones that we no longer use and would like to donate or throw away. These range from old flip phones to a couple of 2010 smart phones. Some have battery chargers and some I doubt I could find the original charger if it even still exists here in the house somewhere.

We don’t mind donating the phones if some outfit can truly make use of them but our concern is how to make absolutely sure our personal data is erased from the phone permanently?

Thanks

I have kept all mine. Tom Brady has an assistant destroy his.

Fizz wrote:
Up here all carriers let you access 911 no matter what phone you have.
Some charities hand out old donated phones to people who can't afford cell phones but want the security of having 911 available.

On that note, because 911 still works even without a SIM you should not give them to the kids as a toy without removing the battery first. It is not uncommon for 911 operators to get false calls from kids playing with old phones.