Prepare Your Device for Donation
Before You Send It
Save photos, contacts, and files you want to keep.
Disable Find My or other device locks when possible.
Factory reset a working device using its settings.
Take out physical SIM and memory cards.
Confirm the device is no longer linked to your account.
Review battery condition and carrier requirements.
Choose Your Device
How to Erase an iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch and Apple Watch
- Back up anything you want to keep.
- For an iPhone or iPad, go to Settings → General → Transfer or Reset → Erase All Content and Settings.
- Follow the prompts to erase the device and sign out of your Apple Account, including Find My.
- When finished, confirm the device reaches its initial setup screen.
Older iOS versions may use Settings → General → Reset. If you have an Apple Watch, unpair it from your iPhone before donating to remove Activation Lock.
How to Factory Reset and Remove Your Google Account from an Android Device
- Back up photos, contacts, and other files.
- Remove Google accounts and any manufacturer accounts from the device’s settings.
- Open Settings → System → Reset options → Erase all data (factory reset). The path varies by brand.
- Follow the prompts and check that the welcome or setup screen appears.
Removing accounts before resetting helps prevent Factory Reset Protection (FRP) from blocking reuse.
Can't Reset It? That's Okay.
Still linked to an account?
Where possible, use the manufacturer’s official account tools to remove a device association or request a remote erase: iCloud.com/find for Apple and google.com/android/find for Android. A remote erase generally requires the device to reconnect to the internet.
Removing an account association does not by itself guarantee that stored data has been erased.
Battery damaged or swollen?
Do not put it in the mail without specialized guidance. Swollen, leaking, overheating, or visibly damaged lithium batteries can be unsafe to ship. Contact Rescue Recycle before sending such a device.
Ship Your Device Safely
Pack securely
Pack your devices securely in a sturdy box or padded envelope with adequate cushioning to prevent movement or damage during transit.
Using another carrier?
If you choose to ship using another carrier, such as FedEx or UPS, please review their specific lithium battery shipping requirements, as regulations and labeling guidelines may differ.
If you are unsure how to reset your device, contact us with the make and model, we’re happy to help.
reach out todayYOUR PRIVACY MATTERS
If your device is damaged, locked, or cannot be reset, you can still donate it. Devices that cannot be securely wiped are sent to an R2-certified recycling facility for secure data destruction and responsible recycling.
FAQs
What types of electronics can be donated?
Cell phones, iPhones, Androids, Flip Phones, Tablets, iPads, Cameras, Handheld Game Consoles, iPod, MP3 players, and Smartwatches.
We cannot take: Laptop/ Desktop Computer, Monitors, TV’s, Cables, Loose Batteries, Landline Telephones, Keyboards, Mice, Power Supplies, Medical Devices, Printers, Ink Cartridges, Appliances, Fax Machines, Stereo Systems, Power Tools.
Click here to find a local recycler that may take those items.
What types of electronics cannot be sent in the mail-in program?
Laptop/ Desktop Computer, Monitors, TV’s, Cables, Loose Batteries, Landline Telephones, Keyboards, Mice, Power Supplies, Medical Devices, Printers, Ink Cartridges, Appliances, Fax Machines, Stereo Systems, Power Tools.
Why?
Our program is designed for small, handheld electronics that can be safely and cost-effectively shipped. Focusing on these items allows us to reduce e-waste, recover valuable materials, and maximize the impact of every donation.
Visit Earth911’s website to find a facility that will accept these items
What if my company or organization has a large number of cell 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 75959What 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?
We are a for-profit company and therefore cannot issue charitable tax receipts. However, a portion of our profits from refurbished device sales is donated to nonprofit organizations that support animal welfare. While your donation is not tax-deductible, it still contributes to a meaningful cause helping animals in need.
You can visit our Donation Impact page to see examples of how your support is making a difference.
How do I erase data off my cell phone?
Please see our step-by-step instructions on how to erase data and remove accounts from your cell phone.
What if I am unable to remove my data?
We will still accept cell phones and 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 cell phone?
That’s great! Please send devices to:
Rescue Recycle
PO Box 370
Milam TX 75959.Who does my donation help?
The proceeds from refurbished device sales help fund nonprofit organizations that support animal welfare across the U.S. These organizations work to reduce euthanasia rates, provide shelter and medical care, and support rescue efforts through a network of independent animal shelters.
You can visit our Donation Impact page to learn more about how your support helps animals in need.
What if my cell phone is broken or won't turn on?
No problem! We take devices in any condition, except swollen or leaking batteries. If your battery is damaged, contact us first. Sometimes removing Apple and Google accounts can still be performed even if your phone is broken, please see how to remove accounts remotely in our step-by-step guide.
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 cell 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- Identify the Battery Type: Ensure the battery is a lithium-ion or lithium metal battery, as most cell phones use these types.
- Battery Condition: Make sure the battery is undamaged and not defective.
- Packaging Requirements:
- Use strong outer packaging.
- Pack the cell phone in a rigid, durable box.
- Use cushioning material to prevent movement within the package.
- Include warning labels if required by the carrier or regulations.
USPS (United States Postal Service)- Package the Cell Phone: Use a strong, rigid box. Place cushioning material around the phone to prevent movement.
- Labeling:
- Include a lithium battery handling label (UN3481 for lithium-ion batteries packed with equipment).
- Ensure the label is visible on the outer packaging.
- Documentation: No specific documentation is generally required for domestic shipments, but always check the latest USPS guidelines.
- 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- Package the Cell Phone: Use a sturdy box with cushioning to prevent movement.
- Labeling:
- Apply a lithium battery handling label (UN3481 for lithium-ion batteries packed with equipment).
- Ensure the label is clearly visible.
- Documentation:
- Complete a Shipper’s Declaration for Dangerous Goods if required (mostly for international shipments).
- Check FedEx Ship Manager for any specific instructions.
- Drop-Off: Take the package to a FedEx location. Inform the representative about the contents and that it includes a lithium battery.
UPS- Package the Cell Phone: Use a strong, rigid box with adequate cushioning.
- Labeling:
- Attach a lithium battery handling label (UN3481 for lithium-ion batteries packed with equipment).
- Ensure the label is visible.
- Documentation:
- UPS may require a Shipper’s Declaration for Dangerous Goods for certain shipments.
- Use UPS WorldShip software for shipping instructions and compliance.
- 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.
Do you really donate a portion of your profits to help animals?
We’re committed to transparency — not just in words, but in actions. We track and share our donation progress publicly so you can see the real impact of your support.
Learn more about the impact of your support by visiting our Donation Impact page.