Don’t throw away your old tools and gadgets. how to recycle them for free

New phones, tablets, laptops come every year. You upgrade your technology, and your old device is tucked away in your in-home gadget graveyard. You probably have a drawer full of old batteries and cables, and some old phoneLaptops and desktops are lying around, depending on how often you upgrade your gear.

We all hang on to old technology for our own reasons — I still have my first nokia block phone Took away for the nostalgia. There are many ways to repurposing old equipment For you smart homeuse them as security cameras even more.

Whatever the technology, when it’s time to say goodbye, there’s a right way to dispose of your old gadgets—and there are plenty of wrong ways. We’ll show you which one.

What to do before getting rid of the device

When you’re finished with the gadget, make sure it’s finished with you as well. Be sure to back up whatever you want from the device – photos, videos, songs – and then do a factory reset. Here are some CNET articles to help illustrate the finer points of wiping a device:

Here are the best places in America to recycle, repurpose, or give new life to your old technology.

Smartphone Recycling

Smartphone Recycling You can print a free FedEx shipping label or request a recycling kit. Ship your old smartphone and you can also get paid, depending on the condition and age of the device. The smartphone accepts recycling devices in bulk, so you’ll need to send at least 10. Depending on how long you’ve been hoarding phones, you may be able to meet this quota yourself. If not, check with friends and family and make it a collective effort.

what can you recycle: Smartphone Recycling accepts smartphones, cell phones, MacBooks, tablets, iPhones, iPads, iPods and Apple Watches, as well as batteries attached or installed in the devices.

best Buy

best Buy accepts wide range of technical products and typically takes three items per day per household. Specifications may vary depending on where you live, but you can check state-specific recycling information from the dropdown menu on the site.

Best Buy also offers a hall-away option for larger appliances such as a TV, dishwasher, freezer, microwave, treadmill and exercise bike. If You Ordered a New Product, Best Buy take your old one for recycling, there is also one Stand-alone haul-away option Which costs $200. you can take Two large objects were removed as well as an infinite number of smaller objectsWith few exceptions.

what can you recycleBest Buy: TVs, cables and chargers, media players, projectors, laptops, hard drives, webcams, cellphones, calculators, radios, landlines, headsets, vacuums, fans, ink and toner cartridges, alarm clocks, speaker systems, e-cans Huh. Readers, video game consoles, memory cards, camcorders, digital cameras, GPS devices and more.

staples

Office supply store Staples also offers free recycling options for old tech. Staples accepts up to seven items per day per customer. The company also has various haul away option, Driver pickup and pallet pickup, plus prepaid address labels Available.

what can you recycleStaples can recycle accessories, adapters, cables, computers, cordless and mobile phones, digital cameras, laptops, routers, tablets, webcams, ink and toner and other office tech items.

home depot

Home Depot has an explainer on its website on how to safely dispose of dead batteries, old paint, electronics, and other items, as well as tips for recycling and reusing them. According to RecycleStuff.orgServices are drop-off for residential customers only.

what can you recycle: According to RecycleStuff.orgHome Depot accepts household alkaline batteries (AA, AAA, C, D, 9V), lithium-ion batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries, rechargeable household batteries, cell phones and LED light bulbs.

US Environmental Protection Agency

The EPA doesn’t handle recycling and drop-off like other businesses, but it has a handy guide that makes it easy to find the information you need. EPA’s directory Breaks down donations and recycling by electronic equipment, company name, logo and any additional details.

what can you recycle: Again, the EPA’s directory links you to specific companies and their policies, but according to the list, you can recycle and donate mobile devices, PCs and TVs as well as imaging equipment and supplies.

Electronics Take-Back Coalition

Like the EPA, Electronics Take-Back Coalition Makes it easy to find a manufacturer take-back program in the US. You can browse take-back program summaries from over 25 companies, including acer, Apple, Ditch, Himachal Pradesh, Lenovo, Panasonic, Sony even more.

The Electronics Take-Back Coalition does not handle recycling, but it can direct you to the appropriate resource for your needs.

what can you recycle: Depending on the company, you can find places to turn on iPhones, iPads, smartphones, monitors, computers, printers, keyboards, mice, DVD and VHS players, cameras, TVs, and more.

ecoATM

ecoATM gives you a Estimate the cost of your old phone That you can lock the mobile app using the IMEI number of your old device. EcoATM will ask a few questions about your device like brand, model, memory, carrier and condition before generating the quote. From there, you can Visit one of the organization’s kiosksLocated at stores like Kroger, Walmart and Dollar General.

what can you recycle: EcoATM can help with iPhone, Samsung smartphones, tablets and MP3 players, Google Pixel phones, LG phones and tablets, Motorola phones and ZTE phones. You can also recycle cases like chargers and cellular accessories, but you won’t get paid for them.

earth911

earth911 Lets you search by device and zip code to find nearby suitable places to turn on the old phone. When you go to the organization’s website, click where to recycle at the top of the page to get started. Earth911 works with well-known businesses such as Lowes and Target, as well as local waste and recycling centers.

what can you recycle: Earth911 helps you find places to recycle, but it will also note the materials the location accepts, whether it allows drop-off or pickup for residential or businesses, as well as any additional Information too.

recycling to charity

recycling to charity The technology accepts donations, but gives a percentage of the device’s value to a charity of your choosing. a. scroll through charity directorySelect one, enter the required information and click Donate. Charity Receive Anywhere 25 cents and $100 from your belongings.

what can you recycle: Wireless cell phones and related batteries, iPhones, wireless pagers, digital cameras, iPods, PDAs and Palm Pilots.

Call2Recycle

Call2Recycle Has a battery-focused recycling program. organization provides drop-off option at places like Home Depot, Lowes, and Staples, as well shipment box For batteries and cell phones. Drop-offs are free, but recycling kits and shipment boxes cost between $45 and $115, depending on size.

what can you recycle, rechargeable batteries Such as nickel cadmium, nickel metal hydride, lithium ions, nickel zinc and small sealed lead acids that weigh up to 11 pounds. Call2Recycle also accepts single use battery Such as AA, AAA, 9V, C, D and button cell batteries that weigh up to 11 pounds. The organization also accepts cell phone and their compatible batteries regardless of size, make, model or age.

For more information, see Five Things You Can Recycle (And Five Things You Can’t) and The right way to recycle plastic And Do’s and Don’ts of Recycling Metal Cans,