Cell phone manufacturers and retailers make it easy for you to recycle your old cell phones, which can be harmful to the environment when disposed of improperly. All wireless service providers that sell cell phones must accept them back for recycling at no cost to the customer. Additionally, there are many local resources for donating or selling your cell phones to charitable organizations. The following resources will help you find the easiest and safest way to dispose of your old phone.

Manufacturer Take-Back Programs:

All of the major cell phone providers offer take-back programs, usually at their stores.

• AT&T

• Nokia

• Sprint Nextel

• T-Mobile

• Verizon Wireless

• Virgin Mobile

Retailer Take-Back Programs:

If you didn't buy your cell phone directly from your provider, the following retailers will take your phone from you for free.

• Best Buy - see the store locator for the Best Buy closest to you.

• Staples - see the store locator for the Staples closest to you.

• Call2Recycle collects cell phones and accessories at Radio Shack, Sears, Target, and local wireless and hardware retailers.

Online Resources for Selling or Trading Cell Phones

There are many online sites that offer a platform to either make money for your old phone or find someone to trade it with.

• GreenPhone

• ReCellular Trade In

• Gazelle.com

City-Specific Guidelines for Cell Phone Disposal

Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York City, Washington D.C.