Mobile Device & Cell Phone Recycling

Every type of mobile phone can be recycled! High Tech Recycling accepts and recycles all styles and brands of mobile devices. You can drop off your old devices at our center or schedule a pickup service.
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Mobile Devices We Accept

We accept a wide range of mobile devices, both working and non-working, including:
  • Smartphones (iPhones, Android, etc.)
  • Cell phones (Flip phones, feature phones, and older models)
  • Tablets
  • e-Readers
  • Chargers
  • Batteries (excluding damaged or swollen batteries)
We cannot accept damaged batteries or phones with swollen batteries.
stack of old cell phones

How to Prepare Your Cell Phone for Recycling

1. Backup Your Personal Information

Every phone manufacturer provides a manual with detailed explanations on how to back up your data correctly. Find your physical manual or locate one online and follow the appropriate steps.
Mobile phone screenshot that reads:

2. Complete a Factory Reset

A factory reset effectively eliminates most of your files and information. A complete reset can eliminate most of your personal data, setting configurations, installed applications (and application data), and logged-in accounts.
Mobile phone screenshot that reads:

3. Remove SIM & SD Cards

You do not want to leave your SIM card or other storage cards in the phone. SIM cards store contacts, phone numbers, and messages and provide access to mobile data services. SD cards serve the same function as a flash drive—providing external memory. Both SIM and SD cards have special trays. Each tray’s location varies depending on the phone model. Use the Unmount or Eject tool in your settings to remove the SD card, or ensure your phone is powered off before removing it. Please consult the manufacturer’s manual for more information on how to remove SIM or SD cards from your specific phone.
Removing SIM card from mobile phone

4. Clean Your Device

Clean your phone with isopropyl alcohol and a microfiber cloth or other soft, non-abrasive, lint-free material. Never use ammonia-based cleaners, like window cleaners.
91% Isopropyl Alcohol bottle

Why Should I Recycle My Cell Phone?

While it may seem convenient to dispose of your old cell phone in the trash, it’s important to consider the environmental impact. When a phone ends up in a landfill, certain elements within it, like cobalt and lithium, can start to break down, releasing harmful chemicals into the environment. This can affect groundwater, plants, wildlife, and even humans. By recycling your old cell phone, you’re not only preventing this pollution but also contributing to the conservation and reuse of valuable raw materials.  

We Make Cell Phone Recycling in Michigan Convenient

High Tech Recycling is located in Detroit, MI, and serves the entire Oakland, Macomb, and Wayne County areas. We offer convenient drop-off times between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., and no appointment is needed. Can’t make it to our location during business hours? Don’t worry—we also provide flexible pickup appointments. If you’re within our service area, we’ll come to your home, place of business or other preferred location. Call 248-975-7472 or complete our online form to schedule your pickup or drop-off appointment.  
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