Cell phones
Apple will take back your old iPhones free of charge. You can sign up online for a free mailer or postage label, but if you live close to an Apple store you can just drop off your old electronics with them. (If you donate your iPod as well, you get 10 percent off the price of a new one. It’s not much, but at least it’s something for a bit of technology you no longer use.) Other companies, such as Nokia and Samsung participate in recycling services.
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However, most mobile phone retailers will take back your old phones for free. You can drop off your old phones at AT&T retailers, who will dispose of your product properly or use it in one of their causes, such as Cell Phones for Soldiers. The company gives your old cell phones to active duty overseas to help them connect with their families. Old Verizon phones go to the HopeLine program, which gives cell phones to organizations that help people in domestic abuse situations. T-Mobile will also take your old phones.
If you’re too far away from your local retailer or you can’t find your phone brand recycles phones, Call 2 Recycle locations will take any cell phone brand or type. They use old cell phone parts to make new products.
Computers
Dell is a big proponent of recycling your old computers. They participate in the EZTradein program, which allows you to trade in your old computer for some other gadget you might want. The company also ensures that they will wipe all your data, so you don’t have to worry about identity theft.
Another good deal comes from Apple. If your computer can be used still, Apple will give you a gift card to use at your store with the estimated value of your product. It might not be much, but at least it’s something.
Sony will also take your old computer and any of their products, and they have conveniently located boxes at some locations which sell their items. If you live in Virginia, West Virginia, Montana, Oklahoma, Texas, North Carolina or Hawaii, they’ll pay for you to ship your items back to them. Some of their home delivery plans, including Premiere in-home delivery, come with free disposal of your old unit.
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Just in case you wanted to get rid of your printer too, HP takes your old ink cartridges and printers free of charge. Check out their website for details, and they’ll walk you through the process of getting a prepaid label to send your items.