Mobile phones
Recycle at home
Recycle out of home
Yes, mobile phones can be recycled at some out of home recycling points.
How to recycle mobile phones
Up to 80% of a phone is recyclable, so don't send it to landfill or leave it in the drawer - recycle it!
Mobile phones contain a range of materials including metals, plastics and several valuable components - such as silver - which can be extracted and re-used. There are an increasing number of options for recycling and re-using old mobile phones.
When you buy a new mobile phone in a shop, ask how you can recycle your old one.
If your unwanted phone is in good working condition and reasonably up-to-date, online resellers and high street shops such as Cash Converters and CeX buy electrical or electronic items, especially if you have the original box, charger and instructions. Comparison sites like Compare and Recycle can help you find the best company for you.
Most charities accept old mobile phones, whether they are working or not. They can raise valuable funds by passing them on to mobile phone recycling companies.
Broken mobile phones can be disposed of at most Recycling Centres in the container for small electricals - find you nearest below.
Good to know
For peace of mind, remove your personal data
It’s up to you to make sure your personal data has been, or will be, removed from your mobile phone. Take care of your personal data and reduce the risk of it being used by someone else.
Independent consumer organisation Which? has information on how to wipe an android phone or tablet and how to wipe or reset an iPad or iPhone.