If you live in New York and have old phones or other handheld electronics lying around, recycling them is one of the best ways to help the environment and keep harmful materials out of landfills. New York has plenty of options – from city programs to nonprofit events to retail drop-offs.
But one option stands above the rest: Rescue Recycle, the only mail-in program on this list where the profits directly support animal welfare.
Below are the top ten places to recycle phones in New York, along with what they accept and how each one works.
1. Rescue Recycle (Best Overall — Mail-In, Supports Animal Welfare)
Website: RescueRecycle.com
Rescue Recycle makes phone recycling simple and meaningful. You never have to leave your house – just mail in your old devices, and we handle the rest. We accept handheld electronics, including:
- Phones
- Tablets
- Handheld gaming devices
- Digital cameras
Every device is securely wiped, then responsibly recycled or refurbished. Best of all, profits help fund animal welfare efforts — turning old electronics into life-saving support.
Service type: Mail-in only (no drop-off required)
Why choose it: Zero effort, mission-driven, and accepts more than just phones.
2. e-cycleNYC (NYC Department of Sanitation)
Website: nyc.gov/site/dsny/what-we-do/programs/ecyclenyc.page
A free program for residential buildings with 10+ units. Buildings receive secure collection bins and DSNY handles pickups when bins are full.
Accepts: Phones, tablets, laptops, small electronics
Service type: Collection bins and scheduled pickups
Best for: Apartment residents in eligible buildings
3. DSNY E-Waste Drop-Off Sites
Website: nyc.gov/site/dsny/collection/get-rid-of/e-waste-drop-off-sites.page
The NYC Department of Sanitation operates multiple e-waste drop-off locations throughout the city.
Accepts: Phones, tablets, computers, small electronics
Service type: In-person drop-off
Best for: NYC residents driving or walking to designated sites
4. Sunnking Electronics Recycling
Website: sunnking.com/dropoff
A well-known electronics recycler with dozens of partner drop-off locations across New York State.
Accepts: Phones, tablets, computers, game consoles, small electronics
Service type: Drop-off at partner locations
Best for: Upstate and Western NY residents
5. Monroe County EcoPark
Website: monroecounty.gov/ecopark-electronics
A county-run recycling site that partners with Sunnking to process electronics.
Accepts: Phones, tablets, computers, small electronics
Service type: Drop-off during EcoPark hours
Best for: Residents in and around Rochester
6. Lower East Side Ecology Center (LES Ecology)
Website: lesecologycenter.org
A nonprofit that hosts seasonal e-waste collection events throughout NYC.
Accepts: Phones, tablets, laptops, video game systems, other electronics
Service type: Drop-off at one-day or seasonal events
Best for: People who prefer nonprofit-based recycling options
7. Wireless Carrier Take-Back (AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon)
Website: Check your carrier’s “recycling” or “take-back” page
New York’s Wireless Telephone Recycling Act requires carriers to accept old phones at no cost.
Accepts: Cell phones only
Service type: In-store drop-off or mail-back
Best for: Anyone near a mobile carrier store
8. Retailer Recycling (Best Buy, Staples, Goodwill)
Website: Check the retailer’s local recycling policy
Major retailers throughout New York accept small electronics for recycling.
Accepts: Phones, tablets, small consumer electronics (varies by location)
Service type: In-store drop-off
Best for: People who prefer big-box stores or shop there regularly
9. SAFE Disposal Events (NYC Department of Sanitation)
Website: nyc.gov/site/dsny/what-we-do/programs/safe-disposal-events.page
Seasonal “SAFE” events allow NYC residents to dispose of electronic waste safely in one-day events.
Accepts: Phones, computers, TVs, and other electronics
Service type: Scheduled drop-off events
Best for: NYC residents who like city-run recycling programs
10. NY State Registered E-Waste Facilities
Website: nyc.gov/site/dsny/collection/get-rid-of/e-waste-drop-off-sites.page
New York State has a network of registered e-waste recycling facilities participating in the Electronic Equipment Recycling & Reuse Act.
Accepts: Varies by facility — many accept phones, tablets, and small electronics
Service type: Drop-off
Best for: Residents outside major cities who want a local facility
Why Rescue Recycle Is the Smartest Choice for New Yorkers
Most New York recycling options require you to travel, wait for events, or drop off devices in person. Rescue Recycle removes all of that effort. Just follow our instructions, attach the shipping label we provide, and mail your devices from the comfort of your home.
Here’s why more people are choosing Rescue Recycle:
- Completely mail-in — recycle from home
- Supports animal welfare with every device sent
- Accepts phones, tablets, handheld gaming devices, and cameras
- Secure data erasure and responsible processing
- No drop-offs or complicated logistics required
Ready to Recycle Your Old Phones?
Recycling with Rescue Recycle is simple and convenient. We provide shipping labels and easy instructions, so you can mail in your phones, tablets, handheld gaming devices, or cameras right from home.
Visit RescueRecycle.com to get started and turn your unused electronics into support for animal welfare.