How To Recyle Mobile Phones in 2022

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Mobile phone recycling

We all need to chip in and do our bit for the environment, and as such, mobile phone recycling makes a lot of sense. Phones take up the most space in landfills of most modern technological devices, and with people updating their smartphones regularly, it’s easy to see why. So how does mobile phone recycling work? Well, there are several options available. We take a look at everything mobile phone recycling, including Envirofone, how to sell or trade in your phone and discuss what to do with your old nokia phones. Read on for everything you need to know.

I want to trade in my phone

If you’re after a new phone, trading in your old one could be the best way to go about the mobile phone recycling process. A trade in could help you reduce the cost of your next gadget, as well as helping you do your bit for the planet. But where can you trade in your mobile phone? Retailers like Carphone Warehouse or UK mobile phone carriers like Three let you trade in your old phone for cash or discounts on your next device.

If you get your old phone to Carphone Warehouse in decent condition they will honour a set price for it. You will then receive your payment between 3 - 5 working days after they receive your device. Those concerned about the environment will be happy to hear that the mobile phones received are always refurbished or recycled in some way shape or form. It’s also worth noting that they also accept most types of devices so if you have a tablet or less common model of mobile phone it’s still worth giving them a try.

If you’d like to perform a mobile phone trade in with the Three network, the process is nice and straightforward. First, they will send you a package in which you can put your phone. Remember to remove any sim or memory cards that are inside the device. Once your phone has been received you’ll get a quote for it via email. Payment will come to you swiftly as well, with payment sent on the same day as the device is received.

Safety firstYou’ll use your mobile phone to handle sensitive information while it is in your possession - like passwords, banking apps, photos or messages, so recycling your phone can actually be safer than just throwing it in the bin. When you sell your phone on it will be wiped completely or you will need to wipe it yourself. Safety first always!

I want to sell my phone

If you’d like to recycle your phone but earn some cash in the process, why not sell your old phone? It’s crucial that we all do our bit to reduce the negative impact we have on our environment, and it’s certainly a shame if your old devices just lay around gathering dust. Earn money whilst doing the right thing and sell your phone to one of the many buyers across the UK.

Envirofone

Envirofone, sometimes spelt Envirophone, buy phones and are one of the UK’s leading mobile phone recyclers, having helped over 4 million customers sell their old mobile phones. If you’re looking to sell your phone, this is the place to do so. It doesn’t matter which brand of phone you have, as Envirofone accept iPhones, Samsungs, HTCs, Huaweis and much much more.

The ethos behind Envirofone is threefold, they focus on recovery, reuse and recycling. Older phones are not seen as redundant by the company, with the company giving them a new lease on life somewhere else in the world. If they are unable to sell your phone it will be recycled with its parts being reused, or melted down to make other things.

If your phone is damaged you’ll be glad to know that Envirofone actually accepts damaged phones and they test each individual phone out when they get it, so that you can receive a tailormade price for your mobile.

How does the process work? You'll need to follow the steps below:

  1. First, you will receive an Enviropack from Envirofone with a box in which to place up to 2 mobile phones, a freepost label and a bag for you to put it in.
  2. Pack your phone and make sure it is switched off and that the memory has been wiped. If you are selling an iPhone 4 or above which has iOS7 software, then you’ll need to turn off your Activation Lock.
  3. Next, you’ll need to present your package at the Post Office counter.
  4. You’ll then receive a payment straight into your bank account on the same day as they receive your device.

Envirofone price promiseIf you decide to sell your phone through Envirofone, you can rest assured that they promise to match the price on their website (given your phone is not damaged).

I want to give my phone to charity

Thanks to Oxfam, your old mobile phone could change someone's life. Oxfam turn every mobile phone you hand over to them into cash, which they then use to buy valuable resources for those in need, like wells, water tanks, tools, school supplies and so much more.

There are a few different ways to give your phone to Oxfam. The first option is simply to head to your local Oxfam shop and donate the device. If you have five or more phones to donate, you’re eligible for a free courier collection. Alternatively you can visit fonebank.com and discover the value of the phone and then make a donation to Oxfam at the same time on there.

Old nokia phones: mobile phone recycling

Nokia phones have ranked amongst the most widely owned phones in the world. If you’ve still got your old 3310 lying around, and you don’t think anyone would purchase it or receive it as a donation you’d be wrong. There are plenty of valuable parts inside like copper, aluminum, steel, and magnesium, as well as precious metals like gold, silver, and palladium that can be used for other things. Developing nations also require technology and your old phone can go along way in a different place.

The services and products mentioned on this website may only represent a small selection of the options available to you. Selectra encourages you to carry out your own research and seek advice if necessary before making any decisions. We may receive commission from selected partner providers on sales of some products and/or services mentioned within this website. Our website is free to use, and the commission we receive does not affect our opinion or the information we provide.