Does Verizon Recycle Old Phones? (All You Need To Know)

Do you currently have Verizon and a stash of old phones lying around? If so, you might be asking, does Verizon recycle old phones?

I’ve been researching this topic and have found some interesting details, so keep reading to learn what I’ve discovered!

Does Verizon Recycle Old Phones In [currentyear]?

Verizon does recycle old phones, and you can go to almost any Verizon Wireless store to drop off your old cell phone as of [currentyear]. Contact your local store to make sure it takes old phones to recycle. You can choose to trade in your old device and get a credit for a new cell phone.

Do you have even more questions about Verizon recycling old phones, such as if you need to wipe the phones before you turn them in? If so, continue reading to find out more!

Do I Need To Wipe My Phone Before Recycling It At Verizon?

It’s a good idea to wipe your old phone clean before dropping it off at Verizon to be recycled since it could be donated to an organization or refurbished.

Additionally, if you’re trading in your old device, Verizon asks that you factory reset the device and erase its contents before returning it.

Therefore, it’s always a good idea to factory reset any electronic device you’re getting rid of since it likely contains personal information about you or videos or pictures.

What Does Verizon Do With Recycled Old Phones?

Verizon could take your old phone and choose to recycle it or refurbish it and sell it if the device is relatively new.

However, Verizon has been known to donate recycled phones to domestic violence agencies and shelters since it was a part of the HomeLine SM Phone Recycling Program.

Therefore, this is why you should wipe your device before recycling it since Verizon could choose to give the phone to those dealing with domestic violence situations.

How Do I Recycle Old Phones At Verizon?

If you’d like to recycle your old phone at Verizon, just put the phone in a plastic bag once you’ve wiped it clean and then drop it off at your local Verizon Wireless store.

Also, you can use the Verizon Store Locator Tool to find the closest Verizon Wireless store to your location, regardless of where you live.

However, it’s a good idea to call the store to confirm it recycles the phones and whether you have to take them inside the store or to a recycle kiosk outside.

Does Verizon Recycle Old Phones From Other Carriers?

Does Verizon Recycle Old Phones From Other Carriers?

It does not matter whether the phone is a Verizon phone or from a different carrier; Verizon does recycle all phones, such as Apple iPhones, T-Mobile phones, or other phones. 

Does Verizon Recycle Old Flip Phones?

Verizon does recycle old flip phones, and you can drop them off at any Verizon Wireless store to be recycled and disposed of properly.

Does Verizon Recycle Tablets?

Verizon does recycle tablets, but your best option would be to take it in for a trade-in if the tablet is still in working condition before you just opt to recycle it.

For example, if you opt to trade in the tablet instead, you can get credit on your account if it’s worth a trade-in value, or you can put that value towards a new device.

Does Verizon Recycle Old Batteries?

Verizon does recycle old batteries, and you can drop those off with your old phones to be recycled.

Also, you can drop off your old batteries at any Verizon store throughout the United States.

Furthermore, any rechargeable batteries that you have can be dropped off at Verizon to be recycled, so even if it’s a battery from a different device or tool, Verizon will recycle it.

What Batteries Does Verizon Not Recycle?

You cannot drop off any batteries that are non-rechargeable or that are alkaline to Verizon stores since Verizon only accepts rechargeable batteries, which include:

  • Rechargeable Nickel Cadmium
  • Lithium-Ion
  • Sealed lead batteries (small)
  • Nickel Metal Hydride

Also, it’s a good idea to contact your local store before you drop off any batteries to see if there is a certain way you need to package the battery before dropping it off for recycling.

To learn more, you can also read our posts on how to activate new Verizon phone, Verizon dumb phone, and Verizon stolen & lost phone policy.

Conclusion

Verizon does recycle old phones, and you can drop them off at any Verizon Wireless store as long as you’ve placed the old phone in a plastic bag and have wiped the device clean.

Additionally, Verizon will recycle flip phones, phones from other carriers, and rechargeable batteries but will not recycle any alkaline batteries.

However, it’s best to call your local Verizon store before you head there to recycle your phone to make sure it either takes batteries and phones in-store or if there’s a recycling kiosk.

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Florence Howard

Florence Howard has been freelance writing for over a decade, and has a vocational background in retail, tech, and marketing. Outside of work, she enjoys listening to rock and metal, and playing with her dog and cat.

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