CELL PHONE RECYCLING IN LOS ANGELES
Recycle Old Cell Phones and Mobile Devices
Bring unwanted cell phones, smartphones and small mobile devices to LAeCycle for free standard recycling. We accept working, outdated and non-working devices from residents, businesses and organizations throughout Los Angeles.
No appointment is required for standard drop-off during regular business hours.
ACCEPTED EQUIPMENT
Mobile Devices and Accessories Accepted
Android Smartphones
Basic Cell Phones
Tablets and iPads
Smartwatches and Fitness Trackers
Chargers and Mobile Accessories
RECYCLING OPTIONS
Phone Recycling for Individuals and Organizations
Individual Drop-Off
Standard phone recycling is free at both LAeCycle locations. No appointment is required.
Find a Drop-Off LocationBusiness Mobile-Device Projects
Organizations may request pickup, inventory tracking and data services for larger mobile-device collections.
Cell phones and tablets do not count toward the 10-device free-pickup minimum. They may be included when the load contains at least 10 combined desktop computers, laptops, servers or computer monitors.
Pickup availability, tracking, special handling and other requested services depend on the confirmed project scope.
Request Business PickupBEFORE YOU RECYCLE
Remove Accounts and Personal Data
Phones may contain photographs, messages, contacts, saved passwords and financial information. Before recycling a functioning device:
- Back up the information you want to keep.
- Sign out of Apple, Google and other connected accounts.
- Turn off Find My Device or Find My iPhone.
- Remove activation locks.
- Release business devices from MDM or automated enrollment.
- Perform the manufacturer’s recommended factory reset.
- Remove the SIM card and removable memory card.
A personal factory reset is not the same as a documented data-destruction service.
PROCESS
How to Recycle an Old Phone
Back Up Your Data
Save any photographs, contacts, messages or account information you want to keep.
Sign Out and Reset
Remove connected accounts, activation locks and organizational management before performing the recommended factory reset.
Remove SIM and Memory Cards
Remove the SIM card and any removable memory card when possible.
Drop Off or Request Service
Bring the device to either LAeCycle location or request service for a larger business mobile-device project.
YOUR QUESTIONS, ANSWERED
Cell Phone Recycling Questions
Is cell phone recycling free?
Yes. Standard cell phone and smartphone drop-off is free at our West Los Angeles and Canoga Park locations. No appointment is required during regular business hours.
Do you accept broken phones?
Yes. We accept outdated and non-working phones unless the battery presents an immediate safety hazard. Contact LAeCycle before transporting a device with a swollen, punctured, leaking or overheated battery.
Should I factory-reset my phone?
Yes, when the phone is functioning. Back up needed information, sign out of connected accounts, remove activation locks and release business devices from organizational management before resetting the phone.
Do you accept phone batteries?
Installed phone batteries are accepted with the device. Contact LAeCycle before transporting loose, swollen, punctured, leaking or overheated batteries.
Can businesses recycle company phones?
Yes. LAeCycle supports larger business mobile-device projects with pickup, inventory tracking and data services available based on the confirmed project scope. Cell phones do not count toward the free-pickup minimum but may be included with a qualifying collection.
TAKE THE NEXT STEP
Recycle Your Old Cell Phone Today
Prepare your device, remove personal accounts and bring it to either LAeCycle recycling location.