If you’re like most folks in New Jersey, you probably have a few old phones gathering dust in a junk drawer somewhere. Maybe it’s a cracked-screen iPhone from 2017, or that Android you swore you’d use as a backup. Either way, it’s time to clear the clutter—and do it in a way that helps your community and the environment.
Throwing your phone in the trash? Not a great idea. Cell phones contain heavy metals and toxic elements that can seriously pollute our soil and waterways if they end up in landfills. But there’s good news—responsible recycling is easier than ever in the Garden State.
Why Recycle Old Cell Phones in New Jersey?
Protecting Jersey’s Environment
New Jersey is home to more than just highways and diners—it’s got parks, rivers, beaches, and wildlife worth protecting. Old phones contain elements like lithium, lead, and mercury, which can leach into the ground if they’re not properly handled.
Recycling phones means those hazardous materials get processed safely, and valuable metals like copper and gold get reclaimed for reuse. It’s good for the planet and keeps Jersey green (and blue!).
Helping People and Pets in Need
When you send your phones to Rescue Recycle, you’re doing more than just cleaning up responsibly—you’re making a difference. Working phones are refurbished and resold, with proceeds supporting animal shelters in New Jersey and nationwide. Broken phones are responsibly dismantled and recycled through certified R2 certified partners.
Your old device could help fund vet visits, food, or warm bedding for rescue animals waiting on their forever homes. That’s a win-win.
How to Recycle a Cell Phone in New Jersey
Local Options
Many local New Jersey recycling programs and municipal drop-off sites accept electronics, including phones. Cities like Newark, Trenton, and Jersey City often host e-waste collection days. Retailers like Best Buy and Staples offer year-round recycling bins.
But if you prefer convenience…
Try Mail-In Recycling with Rescue Recycle
Don’t feel like driving to a recycling site? We’ve got you covered. With our mail-in program, all you have to do is:
- Request a shipping label
- Pack up your phone (or phones) with some protective padding
- Drop it in the mail
We’ll handle the rest—from secure recycling to refurbishment and donation.
Prepping Your Phone for Recycling or Donation
Before you send it off, take a few minutes to:
Back Up Your Data – Save your photos, contacts, and anything important.
Remove Accounts Factory Reset Your Phone and – Clear personal info and restore it to default settings. (Account Removal step-by-step instructions)
Remove SIM and SD Cards – These might contain sensitive data and can often be reused.
Once that’s done, wrap your device in bubble wrap or soft packaging and place it in a sturdy box or envelope.
Broken or Outdated? We Still Want It
Even if your phone won’t power on, it’s still worth recycling. We accept broken phones, cracked screens, outdated models—you name it.
These devices are safely broken down for parts, and reusable materials are extracted for future tech manufacturing. By sending them to Rescue Recycle, you ensure they won’t end up leaking toxins into New Jersey landfills.
Other Options: Selling or Trading In
If you’re not quite ready to part with your phone for free, here are two alternatives:
Sell Your Phone – Online marketplaces, phone buyback websites, and local shops in NJ will often pay for used phones.
Trade-In Programs – Most carriers and stores offer credit toward your next device when you trade in your old one.
Both options help keep your phone out of the waste stream.
FAQs About Recycling Cell Phones in New Jersey
Do I have to live in a big city to recycle with Rescue Recycle?
Nope! We serve all of New Jersey—whether you’re in Hoboken or Hammonton. Our mail-in program reaches everywhere.
Can I recycle more than one phone at a time?
Yes, just follow the same steps for each phone and pack them together in one shipment.
What happens after I send in my phone?
Phones are either refurbished and resold to raise funds or responsibly dismantled and recycled through R2-certified facilities.
Do you take phone accessories?
Not currently. We’re focused on phones and devices only but check with your local recycling center for accessories like chargers and cables.
Give Back, The Jersey Way
Recycling your cell phone might seem like a small thing—but in New Jersey, small acts lead to big change. Whether you’re helping keep harmful waste out of the Meadowlands, funding care for shelter animals in Camden, or just doing your part, your effort matters.
Ready to let your old phone do some good? Send it to Rescue Recycle and give it a second life that supports your community—and your planet.