According to the global average, smartphones are replaced every 3.6 years. 40% of people upgrade as soon as new devices become available, 75% upgrade when their battery life begins to shorten, and the rest upgrade when their device is no longer usable. Regardless of when you decide to upgrade, it is inevitable that you will go through many devices in your lifetime.
When it is time to upgrade, you may wonder what to do with your old phone. Several options exist, but many come with risks you might not have considered. Smartphones contain large amounts of personally identifiable information (PII). Your name, address, account numbers, usernames, and passwords can all be extracted from your device and used to steal your identity.
Secure cell phone disposal can prevent stolen information and protect against privacy threats.
Why Cell Phones Put Your Information at Risk
Cell phones connect us to the world by providing access to shopping, banking, socializing, and more. It seems like every business, school, and workplace has its own app to download and use. Each app saves personal information such as your name, birth date, and account details.
If a hacker gains access to your phone, they can easily steal your data. Depending on the information they steal, you are at risk for identity theft and fraud. If hackers gain access to PII, they can use your information to open new accounts and access a line of credit. If they access usernames and passwords, they can take over bank accounts and make unauthorized transactions.
How to Safeguard Your Information
The first step in protecting your information is to back up any data you don’t want to lose. You can back up to the cloud (common cloud services include iCloud or Google Cloud) or an external drive. This saves your photos, documents, music, contacts, passwords, and more; so you can delete that information from your old device.
Once your data is safely backed up, you will want to sign out of all accounts. You can do this in your phone’s settings. Make sure you sign out of everything including email, social media accounts, and banking. You should also make sure that your phone is no longer paired with any devices like speakers, smart watches, or printers.
Also in your phone’s settings, you will want to delete saved passwords. If you have an Android, you should also remove two-factor authentication.
The final step is to perform a factory reset to wipe all personal data from your device.
What to Do with Old Cell Phones
Repurpose
If your phone is still working, you can repurpose it as a baby monitor, security camera, or webcam. You could also consider handing it down to a family member or friend needing a phone.
Trade
Some cellphone carriers and manufacturers offer trade-in programs in exchange for a discount on a new device. The age and condition may affect trade-in acceptance and value.
Sell or Donate
There are many online sites dedicated to selling tech devices. If your phone is still functional and not too old, you could earn some money with this option.
Some charitable organizations use donated cell phones. Cell Phones for Soldiers is a nonprofit that provides cost-free communication services to military members and veterans. Secure the Call distributes donated phones to vulnerable people in the community, so they can call emergency services if needed. Other programs can be found with a simple online search.
Recycle
Recycling is the best option for cell phones that no longer work properly. It is also the safest option in regards to protecting private data. Trashing your device or letting it rot in a drawer is also not safe or effective in the long run.
Recycling preserves natural resources such as copper, gold, silver, and palladium. It prevents toxic materials from poisoning our environment, lessens landfill waste, and decreases the need for mining. Recycling also secures your information with data destruction and shredding.
Secure E-Destruction Options
If you have chosen to recycle your old cell phone, you will need to select a certified recycling company. Select a company that is registered with state and federal agencies to ensure the company complies with hazardous waste regulations and does not export devices to developing countries. Legitimate recycling services safely handle your materials and protect personal data.
Mail-In Electronic Destruction
Mail-in services allow you to ship your old cell phone for e-destruction and recycling. Once received, the recycling provider puts your device through a crushing, pulverizing, and shredding process. This thoroughly destroys your device, making your data inaccessible while also allowing for the separation of the reusable materials inside.
Mail-in destruction is super convenient and affordable for residents in need of high-quality electronics recycling services. You can track your devices throughout shipping and will receive a certificate of destruction for your records when the process is complete.
Drop Off Locations
Drop-off services are another way to quickly and affordably recycle your old phone. ShredTronics has locations nationwide for your convenience. Use our directory to find a location near you and drop off your phone to complete the process. Your phone will be thoroughly destroyed, shredded, and recycled to protect your data and the planet.
Why Choose ShredTronics?
In addition to the many environmental benefits of e-recycling, secure data destruction is a critical component of our services at ShredTronics.
Data destruction refers to the process of removing or destroying digital information stored on electronics. The goal is to prevent unauthorized access to personal or sensitive data that could put you at risk. While deleting and wiping data from your phone is a great start, it is not a guaranteed protective measure. Without physical destruction, it is possible that your data could be recovered and misused.
Secure data destruction provides advanced data security and legal compliance with strict data handling and disposal laws. ShredTronics ensures that your data is handled properly, eliminating privacy threats. We partner with highly qualified, certified e-recycling companies you can trust.
Dispose of Old Cell Phones with ShredTronics
Old cell phones stashed in drawers and garages can be easily stolen and used against you. Protect your vulnerable data with e-destruction and recycling. Our data destruction experts are happy to answer any of your questions and connect you with trusted companies in your area. Give us a call at (844) 648-4908 or fill out the form to securely destroy and recycle your old cell phone today.
