How to recycle your phone no matter where you live

No matter how fond we grow of our pocket computers, there comes a time in every smartphone owner's life when it's time to bite the bullet and opt for an upgrade. And that poses the question of what to do with your outdated handset.



Quick tip: don't dump it straight into the trash. Electronic waste, or e-waste, can leak harmful chemicals into the environment, so you don't want it sitting in a landfill. The best way to dispose of your device is through an official recycling program, one which will make sure all the components are dealt with properly. Unlike regular trash and recycling, you can't put your e-waste out for curbside pickup, so proper disposal will vary depending on where you live. Read on to learn about accessible options across the US. Just remember to get rid of any private data on that device before you hand it over.

The big names in phones all have recycling programs of their own that you can take advantage of, no matter which state you live in. Apple's recycling scheme lets you take an old iPhone to any Apple Store or drop it in the mail. For newer phones, you can sometimes get a gift card to use against another Apple purchase.

Samsung has what it calls a Mobile Take-Back Program, which means you package your old Samsung phone up in a pre-paid envelope and send it back to Samsung. The manufacturer will dispose of the device in a way that minimizes the impact on the environment (by recycling certain components, for instance).

If your phone is LG-branded, then head to the LG Recycling Program website, enter your zip code, and you'll be met with a list of local drop-off points where you can leave your unwanted phone. HTC has a similar scheme in the US and will accept any device, irrespective of its manufacturer.

READ MORE AT: https://www.popsci.com/recycle-your-phone#page-2

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