Less than 40% of us recycle old technology. Some are even taking a risky path, CNET has found

for me iPhone 14 ProPoor battery life forced me to upgrade to a new device Smartphone newly. Now the old phone is sitting in my house while I figure out a plan for it. I can trade it with my country Mobile phone provider Or donate it to a charity. But the longer I wait, the more new phones appear, e.g iPhone 17eWhich reduces the value of my 4 year old phone. I also thought about recycling it.

You’ve probably thought about trading in, donating, or just getting rid of your old smartphone or… tablet. But if you think most adults in the United States are recycling their electronic waste responsibly, think again. CNET recently asked 2,638 American adults about their typical plan to dispose of old technology, and the results were alarming: 22% throw away items and less than half (39%) recycle their devices. Throwing it away may be illegal in your state, according to… US Environmental Protection AgencyIt contributes to air and water pollution. Donating or recycling your e-waste is the recommended route.

Some companies, incl appledoing their part to support a more sustainable environment by using recycled materials to build new products. Apple said that 30% of the materials used in its products shipped last year came from recycled sources. Microsoft It uses recycled materials Surface Laptops It includes more replaceable components.

Based on the survey results, here’s what most U.S. adults do with their old personal technology, and what a typical e-waste plan is. We also include a list of recycling sites to help give old technology a new life.

Only 39% of US adults recycle their old devices

So, what do most of us do with devices we no longer use? CNET found that typical plans vary. You can consider factors such as the device, its condition, and your personal preferences.

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Less than half (39%) of US adults recycle their old devices, and baby boomers make up nearly half (48%) of this group. On the other hand, 33% of US adults are giving away their old technology devices, while 29% of them store these devices at home.

Some US adults look to old technology as a way to make some money by trading it in with a retailer (24%) or selling their gadgets online (18%).

There are less desirable ways to dispose of your technology. It’s not a good idea to get rid of old technology, but 22% of US adults say they do. CNET’s latest findings also show that nearly three in 10 (29%) store technology at home, with Generation Z making up 40% of this group.

Watch this: Make money recycling old technology and let your broken iPhone go

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Selling, donating or recycling e-waste is better than polluting the environment with toxins and chemicals found in smartphones and tablets. Throwing one in the trash may seem like the most convenient way to dispose of it, but this may be illegal in your state.

E-waste laws have been enacted in 25 states, according to Electronics Recycling Coordination Clearinghouse. For example, South Carolina prohibits the disposal of technology in solid waste landfills. Computer screens, TVs and Printers Must be recycled.

Where can you recycle your old technology

Below is a list of retailers where you can recycle or exchange your old smartphones: Laptops And other personal technologies. When deciding where to drop off your old gadget, review the recycling options available through the technology manufacturer, e.g apple and HP. Local and national recycling services, incl Battery network (formerly Call2Recycle), Earth911 and eco friendly tools, You also have technology recycling programs to safely dispose of your technology based on your zip code.

Amazon recycling program

Amazon recycling program Allows you to trade in eligible devices to provide a new device Amazon Tech Tool. If your device doesn’t qualify, you can drop off your old tech to a participating store, like Staples. Or you can mail it with a free shipping label.

Best buy

Best buy It allows you to recycle up to three accepted items per household per day for free. It also offers a moving service to dispose of your old technology as a standalone service. Best Buy can remove and recycle up to two large products and an unlimited selection of small products for $200. There are limitations, such as not being able to drag fitness equipment. You can also order a mailbox from Best Buy, pack it to the maximum weight with accepted electronics, and ship it at a UPS store with a prepaid shipping label.

Green Drop

Green Drop Accepts various technical elements on behalf of non-profit organizations. However, large appliances, TVs, monitors, and medical equipment are not accepted. Contact your local GreenDrop about your specific device before delivery. Donations are tax deductible.

Smartphone recycling

Smartphone recycling It is a bulk recycling and trade-in program that allows you to recycle smartphones and tablets. You can ship your old phone, computer, and tablet with a FedEx shipping label. A smartphone recycling service may pay you up to $400 for your old devices, including locked and damaged ones.

Basic food items

You can earn Staples Easy Rewards by recycling tech devices online and in-store. Points can be redeemed for savings on purchases. Basic food items It also offers mail-order recycling kits to ship your tech starting at around $14, and you can get e-gift cards when you trade in an eligible device in stores only. There are a few prohibited items, and Staples charges a fee for recycling screens.

goal

Target has a trade-in program that lets you exchange your old tech for a Target eGiftCard based on the value of your device. The gift card can be used at Target stores, Target.comTarget Tech and Target Optical kiosks and in-store merchants at Target.

Eligible trade-in items include audio devices, cell phones, MP3 players, tablets, smart speakers, video game consoles, toys and wearables. The program is only available connected.

What to do before you get rid of your old technology

Before you recycle, sell, or give away your old device, there are some steps you should take.

First, make sure you back up any important data, such as files and photos, using Cloud storage or External hard disk. If you download any software, be sure to note any license keys. Then restore your device to its original state by doing this Factory reset. This erases any personal information, programs, and files by returning the phone to its original state.

If you plan to donate or recycle your device, check for any special instructions for safe disposal of electronic waste. Some tablets, phones and laptops use lithium-ion batteries which can pose a significant fire risk if damaged or not disposed of properly. The EPA has too guide List hazardous rechargeable batteries and their disposal locations by zip code.

To learn about other ways to dispose of unwanted technology, watch the video below to learn which charities accept unwanted electronic devices and what to know before… Sell ​​your used technology at a fair price.

methodology

CNET commissioned the survey from YouGov PLC. All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov PLC. The total sample size was 2638 adults. Fieldwork was conducted from April 10 to 14, 2026, and the survey was conducted online. Figures have been weighted and represent all U.S. adults ages 18 or older.