How to Dispose of Old iPhones

You might find yourself with an old iPhone; perhaps the latest model has come out, and you’re excited about an upgrade, or your old iPhone isn’t working as it should, so you need a new one out of necessity. Whatever the reason, knowing how to dispose of your old iPhone is paramount, as rising e-waste levels mean throwing your phone in the trash is no longer the answer. 

How you dispose of your old device will be circumstantial. However, it’s essential to consider the environment as you do so. 

Can I Just Throw Away My Old iPhone?

In theory, you can physically throw your old iPhone in the trash, but this is incredibly damaging to the environment. The levels of e-waste aren’t just high; they’re exponentially high, with 2022 alone seeing people generate 136.6 billion pounds - enough to trace the planet's equator. 

But why is this so bad? E-waste isn’t simply an eyesore or a problem contributing to landfill sites. E-waste's leaking toxicity, including lead and mercury, is a significant problem for the planet and its people, and throwing your phone in the trash will only add to this growing problem. 

While throwing away your old iPhone is easy, it’s not necessarily the right move when several accessible alternatives will protect the planet. 

6 Ways To Dispose of an Old iPhone

1. Trade-In With Apple 

The trade-in method is a great solution that could offer a few dollars for your pocket. Available online and in their retail stores, you can hand Apple your old iPhone and get credit for a new Apple device. 

It’s an excellent solution if you’re an Apple user and want the added financial benefit. If you aren’t ready to buy a new product right away, then this credit can be offered as a gift card so that you can use it in the future. 

Some people prefer trade-ins to selling their phones privately for guaranteed credit or cash, even if the price is less than they might get privately. 

2. Trade-In Online

If you have an old iPhone but aren’t looking to use the Apple trade-in—maybe you think you could get more for your device elsewhere, or you don’t want credit for a new Apple product (perhaps you’ve moved to the Android side)—then it’s best to research other online trade-ins. 

At other companies, you can get actual money for your old device rather than credit. However, it’s important to remember that you don’t set the price - the trade-in company does, so your old device must meet the proper requirements to ensure it’s worth taking back. 

3. Sell it

Selling your old phone on your terms is one fantastic method of disposing of your old iPhone, especially if this device is still in excellent working condition and could be worth something. Many people wait a couple of years for Apple to bring out newer models so they can buy the older ones for slightly cheaper (after all, there aren’t many significant differences between the latest models). So you’ll have a good market for selling. 

You could sell to friends or family or advertise your product on sites like eBay and sell it. If you think your old model will be desirable, you can offer a set price or open an auction. Remember that you must be honest on these sites about the condition of the phone to avoid any complaints or returns, as this will make the process far more effortful. 

Selling your phone will always require more effort than simply tossing it in the trash, but it will be well worth it when you have some extra dollars.

4. Local E-Waste Recycling Program

For any trade-ins or private sales, your phone needs to be in good enough, fully working condition to get you the credit or extra dollars. However, if your phone is broken beyond repair or you don’t think it’ll get you enough credit or money to make the effort worth it, consider a local e-waste recycling program. 

5. Donate To Charity/Non-profit

If your phone is in decent condition and you aren’t fussed about selling it or finding the right trade-in program, then donating your old device to a charity or a non-profit would be a generous way of making your iPhone a second-hand commodity. 

Charities and nonprofits need decent products to sell to make the money they need to fund their projects. A working iPhone would be a great addition to many stores. Some charities and nonprofits are specific about what they can accept, so you must call ahead. 

Likewise, if you donate, sell, or trade your old iPhone, wipe the data first. As phones carry large quantities of personal information, you must ensure this doesn’t get passed on while disposing of your device.  

6. Upcycle Your iPhone 

Much like repurposing old iPhone cases, disposing of your phone entirely may not be necessary. You can upcycle your phone by clearing out all data and using it as an iPod. Likewise, if your iPhone model is one of the later generations, wipe all your data and use that as your primary camera so that the storage on your newer phone isn’t so full. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do I Prepare My Old iPhone for Recycling?

Ensure that you have wiped all the data from your phone so that if it ends up in someone else’s possession, you don’t have to worry about important details being read or used without your permission. Ensure that your phone meets the requirements of the local recycling center or the trade-in program you use. 

Does Apple Erase Data When Recycling?

Apple ensures that when you send them your old iPhone for recycling, they wipe the data from the device for you. With that in mind, it’s crucial that you back up your iPhone before you send it so that you don’t regret missing documents, photos, phone numbers, or important notes. 

Final Thoughts

Finding alternative ways to dispose of your iPhone couldn’t be easier; throwing your device straight into the trash might be easy, but it isn’t environmentally conscious. It’s crucial that when you buy new electronic devices, you always think about longevity to keep costs down for you and the planet on a broader scale. 

Want to ensure your iPhone stays in good condition? Protect your new device with a Casely phone case today so you can resell or donate it tomorrow.