Prepare Your Device for Donation Safely and Securely

FAQs

• What types of electronics can be donated? 

  Cellphones, iPhones, Androids, Flip Phones, Tablets and iPads and handheld game consoles, iPod, MP3 players, cameras, smartwatches.
  We cannot take laptops, tvs, printers, desktop computers, monitors, cables and Click here to find a local recycler that may take those items.

• What if my company or organization has a large number of phones or tablets to donate?

  Contact us and we will help arrange for the shipping of large quantities Or if your organization wants to send it directly, the address is:
  Rescue Recycle
  PO Box 370
  Milam TX 75959

• What if I can't print the shipping label?

  No problem!

  We can mail it to you, just shoot us an email with your address and we’ll send it out to you.

• Do I get a charitable tax receipt?

  While we are a for-profit corporation and cannot issue charitable tax receipts, we’re happy to offer a Rescue Recycle Hero Certificate upon request. Your donated device contributes to our monthly donations to Best Friends, making a real difference for animals in need!

• How do I erase data off my phone?

  Please see our step-by-step instructions on how to erase data and remove accounts from your device.

• What if I am unable to remove my data?

  We will still accept devices that may not be able to be wiped. We take your privacy very seriously and follow every precaution and protocol to destroy any personal data.

• What if I want to use my own shipping label to send in my phone?

  That’s great!  Please send devices to:
  Rescue Recycle
  PO Box 370
  Milam TX 75959.

• Who does my donation help?

  We donate to Best Friends Animal Society, an animal welfare charity whose main goal is to end kill shelters in the United States. Best Friends also helps support a network of more than 3600 independently owned animal shelters and rescue groups throughout the country. See more at BestFriends.org

• What if my phone is broken or won't turn on?

  No problem! We take devices in any condition.

• What happens to my device once sent in?

  When Rescue Recycle receives your donations, we follow important protocols to ensure that all personal data has been erased, then your device goes into the testing and refurbishing phase; if your phone is deemed resell-able, it will be refurbished and sold with a portion of the proceeds going to an animal welfare charity. If your device is broken or too old to re-sell, it will be sent to our certified R2 e-waste recycler and responsibly recycled.

• How to ship a phone

  Shipping a cell phone as hazardous materials (hazmat) requires careful attention to regulations and packaging guidelines to ensure safety and compliance with carrier policies. Here are instructions for shipping a cell phone with USPS, FedEx, and UPS:

   

  General Guidelines for All Carriers

  1. Identify the Battery Type: Ensure the battery is a lithium-ion or lithium metal battery, as most cell phones use these types.
  2. Battery Condition: Make sure the battery is undamaged and not defective.
  3. Packaging Requirements:
     1. Use strong outer packaging.
     2. Pack the cell phone in a rigid, durable box.
     3. Use cushioning material to prevent movement within the package.
     4. Include warning labels if required by the carrier or regulations.

   

  •  

  USPS (United States Postal Service)

  1. Package the Cell Phone: Use a strong, rigid box. Place cushioning material around the phone to prevent movement.
  2. Labeling:
     1. Include a lithium battery handling label (UN3481 for lithium-ion batteries packed with equipment).
     2. Ensure the label is visible on the outer packaging.
  3. Documentation: No specific documentation is generally required for domestic shipments, but always check the latest USPS guidelines.
  4. Drop-Off: Take the package to a USPS location. Inform the postal worker that the package contains a cell phone with a lithium battery.

   

  FedEx

  1. Package the Cell Phone: Use a sturdy box with cushioning to prevent movement.
  2. Labeling:
     1. Apply a lithium battery handling label (UN3481 for lithium-ion batteries packed with equipment).
     2. Ensure the label is clearly visible.
  3. Documentation:
     1. Complete a Shipper’s Declaration for Dangerous Goods if required (mostly for international shipments).
     2. Check FedEx Ship Manager for any specific instructions.
  4. Drop-Off: Take the package to a FedEx location. Inform the representative about the contents and that it includes a lithium battery.

   

  UPS

  1. Package the Cell Phone: Use a strong, rigid box with adequate cushioning.
  2. Labeling:
     1. Attach a lithium battery handling label (UN3481 for lithium-ion batteries packed with equipment).
     2. Ensure the label is visible.
  3. Documentation:
     1. UPS may require a Shipper’s Declaration for Dangerous Goods for certain shipments.
     2. Use UPS WorldShip software for shipping instructions and compliance.
  4. Drop-Off: Take the package to a UPS location. Inform the clerk about the contents and the inclusion of a lithium battery.

   

  Additional Tips

  • Check Carrier Websites: Always refer to the latest guidelines on the USPS, FedEx, and UPS websites, as regulations may change.
  • Proper Sealing: Ensure all seams and edges of the package are securely sealed with strong tape.
  • Local Regulations: Be aware of any local or international regulations that may apply, especially for international shipments.

   

  By following these steps and checking with the carriers for any recent updates, you can ensure that your cell phone is shipped safely and in compliance with hazmat regulations.

• What is an R2 Certified Recycler?

  R2 stands for Responsible Recycling and is a standard specifically created for the electronics recycling industry by Sustainable Electronics Recycling International (SERI). SERI is the housing body and ANSI-accredited Standards Development Organization for the R2 Standard: Responsible Recycling Practices for Use in Accredited Certifications Programs.

  Stakeholders who contributed to the creation of these standards include the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (the EPA was responsible for a study of the implementation of the R2 standards); regulators from state agencies; electronics recyclers, refurbishers, and their trade associations; OEMs/customers of electronics recycling services; and non-governmental organizations.

  The standards were then accredited by ANAB, and in 2008, R2 was released. R2 Certification is international, and the standards and guidance have been made available in five languages.