Does Verizon Recycle Old Phones in 2024? Here‘s What You Need to Know

So you‘re doing some spring cleaning and found a stash of old phones tucked away in drawers? Before you toss them in the trash, consider that Verizon offers phone recycling at many of its stores. I‘ll walk you through exactly how Verizon‘s program works so you can dispose of e-waste responsibly!

Why Bother Recycling Old Phones?

With over 400 million used smartphones discarded in the US each year according to EPA estimates, e-waste is a massive problem:

Recycling protects the environment and human health by safely recovering valuable materials for reuse. For example, a single smartphone contains critical raw materials, including:

• Gold, copper – used in wiring
• Cobalt, lithium – used in batteries
• Aluminum, plastics – used in cases

So by recycling with Verizon, you ensure these materials don‘t end up contaminating landfills.

How Verizon Recycling Compares to Other Carriers

Verizon has offered device recycling for over 10 years through its HopeLine Program. Many wireless providers like AT&T and T-Mobile now have similar recycling and trade-in programs.

However, Verizon stands out by using profits from recycled devices to support domestic violence prevention. So that‘s an added benefit if you choose to drop off devices at a Verizon store.

What Can You Recycle with Verizon?

Verizon accepts virtually any mobile device from any carrier, including:

• Old Verizon phones
• Phones purchased from other wireless companies
• Unlocked smartphones like iPhone or Samsung
• Basic flip phones and feature phones
• Mobile hotspots and Jetpacks
• Cellular-connected tablets and watches
• Any accessories – chargers, headphones, cases

So don‘t let old devices clutter up your space – bring them in to Verizon for recycling!

How Does the Verizon Recycling Process Work?

If you want to recycle with Verizon directly, here is a step-by-step walkthrough:

1. Find a Participating Verizon Store: Use Verizon‘s store locator tool and call ahead to verify device recycling is available. Nearly 1,000 participating locations across the US.

2. Erase Personal Data: Factory reset devices and remove SIM/memory cards. Protect your privacy if devices get refurbished!

3. Package Securely: Place devices, batteries, accessories in secure bags for safe transportation. Ask staff for bags if needed.

4. Drop Off: Bring packaged devices to designated HopeLine bin or kiosk in Verizon store. Staff assist if needed. Easy!

5. Get Receipt: Receive receipt from store for your records. Site kiosks also provide receipts.

And that‘s all there is to it! Verizon handles the proper recycling from there and may refurbish working devices to resell.

Alternative Options If You Can‘t Visit a Store

If getting to a Verizon location is difficult for you, consider these options instead to dispose of mobile devices responsibly:

• Mail Trade-In: Get value by trading in eligible devices conveniently through Verizon‘s mail trade-in program. Just print a free shipping label.

• Best Buy: Drop off phones & accessories recycling at any Best Buy store. They‘ll accept devices from any carrier.

• Community E-Waste Drives: Check if your county or city holds periodic recycling events to bring phones to.

My advice? Don‘t let unused devices turn into unnecessary e-waste. I hope this inside look at Verizon‘s program gives you the info you need to make phone recycling simple and rewarding!