What Is E-Cycling?

Smartphones and tablets have become a part of everyday life. Around the world, people use devices for communication, information and entertainment. But with the rise in popularity of these devices, manufacturers have started making more options to meet the increased demand. People want the latest devices, so they move on from their old phones and tablets in favor of the newest models.

This begs the question: what happens to everyone’s rejected electronics? Most people understand the process of recycling their plastic bottles, tin cans and other recyclable waste products. But things aren’t as easy with electronics. The scale of this problem is staggering - in 2022 alone, the world generated 62 million tonnes of e-waste, averaging 7.8 kg per person, according to the Global E-Waste Monitor 2024. Even more alarming, only 22.3% of that e-waste was formally collected and recycled. Discarded electronics account for an estimated 70% of the heavy metals found in U.S. landfills, according to the EPA.

The good news? There’s an answer to this modern dilemma: e-cycling. And the opportunity is enormous. The raw materials contained in that 62 million tonnes of e-waste were valued at USD $91 billion. But only USD $19 billion worth was actually recovered through recycling. To put it another way, the EPA estimates that for every 1 million cell phones recycled, we can recover 35,274 lbs of copper, 772 lbs of silver, 75 lbs of gold and 33 lbs of palladium - valuable materials that would otherwise end up in a landfill. Retailers like Best Buy are already leading the charge, having collected 2.7 billion pounds of electronics and appliances for recycling since 2009, which makes it the largest retail collector of e-waste in the United States.

E-Cycling Defined

Many use electronics because they have the potential to conserve energy and limit waste. You can use your phone to check your bank statements, pay bills, and read the latest headlines without a single sheet of paper. You can browse the internet, stream a great show, and manage your entire life from a single device. These all can cut back on strain on the environment and limit your energy consumption.

But smartphones and tablets can pose their own danger to the environment in the form of electronic waste. E-cycling is a term used to describe the process of recycling electronics. According to the Global E-Waste Monitor 2024, the world generated a staggering 62 million tonnes of e-waste in 2022 alone - averaging 7.8 kg per person - yet only 22.3% of that e-waste was formally collected and recycled. The EPA estimates that discarded electronics account for approximately 70% of the heavy metals found in U.S. landfills, which makes improper disposal an environmental concern.

The stakes are high financially as well. The raw materials contained within that 62 million tonnes of e-waste were valued at USD $91 billion. But only USD $19 billion worth was actually recovered through recycling - meaning tens of billions of dollars in valuable resources were basically thrown away. To put it another way, for every 1 million cell phones recycled, the EPA estimates that 35,274 lbs of copper, 772 lbs of silver, 75 lbs of gold, and 33 lbs of palladium can be recovered. To better understand why e-cycling matters, let’s take a look at the benefits of recycling electronics and the life span of electronics.

The Life Span of Electronics 

Like other goods on the market, electronics have a life span or life cycle - it means they have a starting point and an eventual end - this end could be when they stop working or when another device comes along and overshadows them - it’s at this point that e-cycling can matter. According to the Global E-Waste Monitor 2024, the world generated 62 million tonnes of e-waste in 2022 alone - valued at $91 billion in raw materials. But only $19 billion worth was recovered through recycling. Here’s an overview of the life span of the average electronic:

1. Raw materials: The Earth is home to bountiful raw materials that people use to produce various goods. These goods include electronics. At the start of the electronic life span, companies mine raw materials like copper, silver, gold, iron and others. Then they transport these raw materials for processing and purification so manufacturing companies can use them for their device components. From mining to transportation and purification, this step is taxing on the Earth’s natural resources and environment. To put the value of these materials in perspective, for every 1 million cell phones recycled, 35,274 lbs of copper, 772 lbs of silver, 75 lbs of gold, and 33 lbs of palladium can be recovered, according to the EPA.
2.  Manufacturing and sale: Once the raw resources have been converted to useable components, manufacturing can begin. In this step, factory workers and advanced assembly line machines create the latest smartphones and tablets. There could also be heavy use of plastics for this step, as many devices incorporate plastic into their internal and external components. Manufacturing uses a lot of energy, and it all leads to the same point - store shelves around the world. Here, people can buy the devices they want at their convenience. 
3.  Purchase and use: Phones and tablets are hot commodity items. This means they fly off the shelves as people choose the latest gadgets to increase their productivity and enjoyment. High demand means companies must produce a supply to meet that demand. This leads to the mining of more raw materials and higher manufacturing rates to create the items needed, which uses more resources.
4.  Non-use: For some people, this is the final step of the electronic life span. When their phone stops working or a new model comes out, they toss the old one in a drawer, or worse - into the trash. The EPA estimates that discarded electronics account for roughly 70% of the heavy metals found in U.S. landfills. Globally, only 22.3% of e-waste was formally collected and recycled in 2022, meaning the vast majority of valuable and potentially toxic materials end up mismanaged.

Ready for some news? You matter in the electronic life span!

The Solution: E-Cycling

Here’s the news - electronic waste is not the only way for an electronic’s life to end. You can follow a new end to the electronic life span: e-cycling. E-cycling is the best way to change the trend of discarded electronics accumulating in landfills; they account for an estimated 70% of the heavy metals found in U.S. landfills, according to the EPA. And in the process, you could even help cut back on the strain on the environment from the other stages in the electronic life span.

The whole point of recycling standard household waste like bottles, cans and cardboard is to limit the number of items in landfills and give you environmentally friendly production practices for future items. The same can be true of your electronics. Think about this: in 2022 alone, the world generated 62 million tonnes of e-waste - it’s 7.8 kg per person - yet only 22.3% of it was formally collected and recycled, according to the Global E-Waste Monitor 2024. The raw materials sitting in that e-waste were valued at a staggering $91 billion. But only $19 billion worth was actually recovered; it’s a massive amount of value - and environmental damage - that better e-cycling habits could prevent.

E-cycling your phones and tablets can have giant positive results on the environment. For every 1 million cell phones recycled, the EPA estimates that 35,274 lbs of copper, 772 lbs of silver, 75 lbs of gold and 33 lbs of palladium can be recovered and put back to use. Growing up, you might have learned about the three R’s of environmental consciousness: to cut back on waste, reusing resources and recycling your unwanted items. Keep reading to see how the same R’s can apply to your unwanted electronics.

Why Should I Recycle My Unwanted Electronics?

Selling or recycling your unwanted electronics is the best choice for you, the people around you, and the Earth itself. The world generated a staggering 62 million tonnes of e-waste in 2022 - yet only 22.3% of it was formally collected and recycled, according to the Global E-Waste Monitor 2024. That means the vast majority ends up in landfills, causing harm. Here are three reasons why you should recycle your unwanted electronics:

1. Reduce hazardous waste: Electronics contain materials that are safe for use in your phone but are harmful to the environment when thrown out with the regular trash. Things like batteries, lead, plastic, chromium, and flame retardants should stay out of landfills. In fact, discarded electronics account for an estimated 70% of the heavy metals found in U.S. landfills, according to the EPA. When you recycle your electronics, you’re taking a stand against these harmful components seeping into the ground and water supply.
2. Conserve valuable resources: The raw materials sitting inside e-waste have enormous value - in 2022 alone, those materials were worth an estimated $91 billion globally, yet only $19 billion worth was actually recovered through recycling. The EPA estimates that for every 1 million cell phones recycled, 35,274 lbs of copper, 772 lbs of silver, 75 lbs of gold, and 33 lbs of palladium can be recovered. Recycling your devices helps reclaim these finite resources, reducing the need for new mining and the environmental damage that comes with it.
3. Protect your personal information: Many people store vast amounts of personal data on their smartphones and tablets. Throwing a device in the trash creates a real risk - someone could recover it and steal your identity or access sensitive accounts. The best way to eliminate this risk is to wipe your personal data and recycle your device through a trusted e-cycling program, ensuring it’s handled securely from start to finish.

Going forward, consider buying items second-hand - you’ll save money and help cut back on the environmental burdens of production.

How Do I Prevent E-Waste? 

Thinking about the impact of waste on the environment isn’t fun. But it can be inspiring enough to make a change. According to the Global E-Waste Monitor 2024, the world generated 62 million tonnes of e-waste in 2022 alone - averaging 7.8 kg per person - yet only 22.3% of that was formally collected and recycled. The raw materials sitting in that discarded electronics were valued at $91 billion. But only $19 billion worth was actually recovered; it’s a staggering amount of lost resources and unnecessary environmental damage.

The good news? If you put your mind and effort into it, you can reduce e-waste in your own life and even inspire those around you to do the same - this will make a real and long-term impact on the environment. The next logical step is learning how to cut back on e-waste. While it may seem a bit harder than standard household recycling, there are a lot of easy ways to reduce your electronic waste footprint, from active decisions to passive habits. Here are some concrete steps you can take:

• Extend the life of your devices. Before upgrading to the latest phone or laptop, ask yourself whether your current device still works for your needs. Repairing, updating, or simply continuing to use older electronics is one of the most effective ways to reduce e-waste at the source.
• Sell or trade in your old electronics. Devices that still have life left in them can be resold or traded in rather than tossed. ecoATM kiosks make it simple to get paid for old phones and tablets, keeping them out of landfills and in circulation.
• Use certified e-recycling programs. When a device truly is at the end of its life, recycle it responsibly. The EPA notes that discarded electronics account for an estimated 70% of the heavy metals found in U.S. landfills - but for every 1 million cell phones recycled, 35,274 lbs of copper, 772 lbs of silver, 75 lbs of gold, and 33 lbs of palladium can be recovered. Retailers like Best Buy have collected over 2.7 billion pounds of electronics for recycling since 2009, making drop-off more accessible than ever.
• Buy refurbished when possible. Choosing a certified refurbished device over a brand-new one reduces demand for newly manufactured electronics and gives existing devices a second life.
• Donate working electronics. Schools, nonprofits, and community organizations often welcome functioning devices. What’s outdated to you could be a valuable resource for someone else.

Every small action adds up. When individuals, businesses, and communities make intentional choices about how they use and dispose of electronics, the collective effort to cut back on e-waste can make a giant impact.

What Are Some Steps I Can Take Now to Reduce Electronic Waste? 

While you might only be one person, your decision to reduce e-waste has a huge impact on the environment. According to the Global E-Waste Monitor 2024, the world generated 62 million tonnes of e-waste in 2022 - averaging 7.8 kg per person - and only 22.3% of it was formally collected and recycled. The EPA estimates that discarded electronics account for approximately 70% of the heavy metals found in U.S. landfills, and each small act of conservation adds up toward a better future. Less waste means a healthier environment and happier inhabitants on this planet we all call home.

Here are 10 easy ways you can cut back on electronic waste: 

1.  Use what you have: One of the easiest ways to limit the amount of electronic waste you produce is to use the devices you already have. Companies often design their products with upgrade cycles in mind, but chances are high that you can use your current phone longer than you think. Holding onto your device for even one extra year meaningfully reduces your environmental footprint.
2. Take care of your device: Many people contribute to electronic waste simply by being careless with their smartphones. Spilling liquid on a phone or dropping it can result in a shattered screen and damaged components. Invest in a screen protector and an environmentally friendly phone case to protect your phone from damage. This will extend its lifespan and help limit the amount of electronic waste you generate.
3.  Donate your old devices: Another way to reduce electronic waste is to donate the devices you no longer want. You may have a friend, relative, or local charity looking for a phone - even one that’s a couple of years old. Your old phone or tablet could be exactly what someone needs. That’s one fewer device heading to a landfill, and one more person with access to useful technology.
4.  Repurpose your old electronics: Even older devices can still be powerful, useful tools. Try using your old phone as a dedicated GPS navigator or music player in your car, or keep an old tablet on hand for streaming videos to save battery life on your newer device. There are lots of creative ways to give old electronics a second life before they ever reach the recycling bin.
5.  Organize your old electronic stash: Many people have an electronics drawer filled with a tangled mess of cords, old phones, and forgotten gadgets. You may have some great devices in there that you could sell or recycle, so spend a little time taking inventory. Find items you could put to use, give away, or take to an e-cycling location such as ecoATM. Keeping old phones buried in a drawer does no good when they could be reused or sold for cash - and those recovered materials have real value. The EPA notes that for every 1 million cell phones recycled, 35,274 lbs of copper, 772 lbs of silver, 75 lbs of gold, and 33 lbs of palladium can be recovered.
6.  Stay current with your local disposal laws: Each city or town has its own electronics disposal practices. Always check with your municipality to see where you should drop off unwanted electronics or dispose of harmful items like batteries. Major retailers like Best Buy have also made it easier than ever - Best Buy has collected over 2.7 billion pounds of electronics and appliances for recycling since 2009, making it the largest retail collector of e-waste in the U.S. E-cycling is a safe way to follow local ordinances while investing in the environment.
7.  Store your data online: Limited storage space leads many people to believe they need a new phone before they actually do. Cloud computing technology can keep all your important files, photos, and videos in one place without relying on your phone’s physical storage. This can help keep your current device running smoothly, extending its lifespan and reducing unnecessary e-waste. You might also consider phones that support SD card storage as another way to expand capacity without upgrading.
8.  Buy environmentally friendly electronics: Some electronics are easier on the environment than others. Energy Star certified products span a wide range of devices and appliances, prioritizing energy efficiency and more sustainable components. Always consider the environmental impact of a purchase before you make it, and choose the greener option when you can.
9.  Educate yourself on electronics and e-cycling: Knowing the types of materials that make up your electronics helps you understand what steps to take when you’re ready to dispose of them responsibly. The Global E-Waste Monitor 2024 estimated that the raw materials in 2022’s e-waste were valued at USD $91 billion, yet only USD $19 billion worth was recovered through recycling - a stark reminder of how much value goes to waste. The EPA is a great resource for e-waste and e-cycling information to help you stay informed.
10.  Buy and sell used electronics: Like buying a used car, purchasing a refurbished phone or tablet is a safe, affordable, and environmentally responsible choice. We recommend checking out the smartphones and tablets over at Gazelle, where you can buy certified refurbished devices at a fraction of the original retail price. Likewise, selling your used electronics meets someone else’s need while putting extra cash in your pocket. When you buy and sell used, everyone wins.

Where Can I Sell Or Recycle Electronics? 

When you want to know where to sell or recycle electronics, there’s an answer - take your old phones and tablets to your local ecoATM kiosk. ecoATM makes the process of selling or recycling your unwanted smartphones easy, and what sets it apart from a standard recycling drop-off is the incentive: ecoATM kiosks give you cash on the spot when you hand over your old device. We accept phones, tablets, and MP3 players, which makes it a fast, easy, and safe way to help the environment while earning a little reward in return.

With over 4,500 kiosk locations across the country - like shopping centers, grocery stores, and more - there’s likely one near you, ready to take your unwanted device and exchange it for cash. And the need for options like this has never been greater. According to the Global E-Waste Monitor 2024, the world generated 62 million tonnes of e-waste in 2022. But only 22.3% of it was formally collected and recycled. The EPA estimates that discarded electronics account for roughly 70% of the heavy metals found in U.S. landfills - a staggering figure that shows just how much responsible e-cycling matters.

The value locked inside old devices is also worth thinking about. For every 1 million cell phones recycled, the EPA reports that 35,274 lbs of copper, 772 lbs of silver, 75 lbs of gold, and 33 lbs of palladium can be recovered. In 2022 alone, the raw materials sitting inside widespread e-waste were valued at $91 billion. But only $19 billion worth was actually recovered. Bringing your old device to an ecoATM kiosk is one of the simplest ways to make sure your electronics don’t go to waste. Go green and get green in return - it’s the easy, helpful e-cycling answer for anyone looking to responsibly part with an old device.

How Do I Sell My Phone at an ecoATM Kiosk?

If you want to know what e-cycling your old phone at an ecoATM kiosk is like, the best way is to experience it for yourself. Start by finding the ecoATM kiosk nearest you. With over 4,500 kiosks in the United States and growing in Europe, it’s easy to find one that works for your schedule and travel plans. 

Here’s ecoATM’s easy three-step process for e-cycling - selling or recycling - your used phone or tablet: 

1.  Bring your device to the kiosk: Before arriving at your local kiosk, make sure your device is charged. You’ll also need to bring a state-issued ID. When you arrive at the kiosk, follow the directions on the screen to get the process started. If you decide you want to keep your device during the pricing process before you accept the offer, the kiosk will give it back to you. The process is safe and easy from start to finish.
2.  Let the kiosk price your phone: In this step, the kiosk will analyze your phone’s make, model and condition - inside and out. That way, the kiosk can determine the best price for your phone if you choose to complete the process. If you want to have a general idea of what you might get for your phone, you can use our online device pricing tool.
3.  Get cash on the spot: After a few minutes, the kiosk will give you an offer for your used smartphone or tablet. If you accept the offer, the kiosk will give you cash on the spot. No phone is too old or broken to be accepted by an ecoATM kiosk, whether it’s for cash or to be properly recycled. And that proper recycling matters - according to the EPA, for every 1 million cell phones recycled, 35,274 lbs of copper, 772 lbs of silver, 75 lbs of gold, and 33 lbs of palladium can be recovered.

Remember to clear all your personal data from your iPhone or Android smartphone before e-cycling with an ecoATM kiosk - this will ensure your personal data stays private after you part ways.

Visit an ecoATM Kiosk Near You Today to Receive Cash for Your Used Smartphone or Tablet

When it’s time to buy a new smartphone, you can do your part to care for the environment by trading your old device for cash at an ecoATM kiosk. The stakes have never been higher - the Global E-Waste Monitor 2024 reports that the world generated 62 million tonnes of e-waste in 2022. But only 22.3% was formally collected and recycled. Discarded electronics account for an estimated 70% of the heavy metals found in U.S. landfills, according to the EPA. The good news? For every 1 million cell phones recycled, 35,274 lbs of copper, 772 lbs of silver, 75 lbs of gold, and 33 lbs of palladium can be recovered - meaning your old device has real, recoverable value.

At ecoATM, we’re committed to reducing e-waste around the world. We know one of the best ways to do this is by recycling old electronics like phones, tablets, and more - and we make the process easy with our convenient kiosk locations. Best of all, you walk away with cash on the spot. Together, we can change the world - one old phone at a time. Our environmental commitment guides our mission, and your participation in e-cycling makes it a reality. Thank you for picking ecoATM as your partner in making a difference. Find an ecoATM kiosk near you!