By Susan Anable and Jared Bodine

Many of us have old electronics that we are not sure what to do with. Most of us want to do the right thing and dispose of electronics safely so they don’t end up in a landfill. For many people, instead, electronics remain in a drawer, attic or garage. The hesitation to recycle electronics is not just environmental. It is also about privacy, because old phones, tablets and laptops can hold personal information, account access, photos and files long after we’ve stopped using them.

The caution is understandable. However, electronic products can contain hazardous materials that pose environmental risks if they are sent to a landfill or incinerated. 

The problem is escalating, too. According to a 2024 Associated Press report, the world generated a record 62 million metric tons of e-waste in 2022. Only about 22% was properly recycled. Older electronics can contain materials such as lead and mercury, while phones and other devices may also contain rare earth elements and precious metals like gold, silver and platinum. Faced with little education on how to dispose of electronics safely, many people do the easiest thing: shove old laptops, phones and tablets into drawers or let them collect dust on a shelf.

There is a better solution. Privacy concerns can be addressed, and value need not be wasted. Rather than keeping an old device, consider whether it still works for its basic purpose, or whether a simple repair or update could extend its life. Maybe it could be refurbished or reused by someone else. And if it truly is time to part with it, do not let privacy concerns be the reason it stays forgotten in a drawer. A reputable organization can securely wipe a device, but only the owner can remove it from associated accounts, such as Google or Apple accounts. The good news is that manufacturers provide clear online instructions for wiping devices and removing account links if you want to handle those steps yourself before donating or recycling.

Three Tips to Keep in Mind Before You Recycle or Donate

1. Don’t Assume It Has No Value 

Recycle while there’s still time. Even if a device no longer turns on, connects to the internet or holds a charge, it may still have value. In some cases, a replacement battery, charger or software update may be enough to make the device functional again. Waiting too long can be the mistake that turns a usable laptop or phone into scrap. Even older devices that no longer meet your needs may still be useful for basic tasks like web browsing, schoolwork, email or video calls.  The sooner you act, the greater the chance it can be reused rather than broken down only for parts or raw materials.

That includes the accessories people forget about or no longer recognize. Cables, cords, chargers and adapters are often tossed without a second thought, especially when no one remembers what they go to. But an outdated connector does not automatically mean an item is worthless. Some accessories may still work with the right adapter or a newer connector, and even when they cannot be reused as-is, they still contain recoverable materials. When recycled properly, cables are separated, shredded and processed so materials such as copper and aluminum can be recovered and reused, keeping them out of landfills and in circulation.

2. Delete Your Data — And Untie the Account

Protecting your data is essential, but wiping a device is only part of the process. Many smartphones, tablets and laptops are tied to Apple, Google, Microsoft or other third-party accounts. If those links aren’t removed and the device is locked, it cannot be reused. That means rather than being redistributed, the equipment will be destroyed to recover materials.

That is why the security step and the reuse step go hand in hand.

Before you hand anything over:

• Back up what you need

• Perform a full factory reset

• Remove the device from all associated accounts

This single step can be the difference between your device being reused or destroyed.

3. Research Your Drop-Off Location — Not All Donation Centers Are the Same

Where you take your electronics matters. Some organizations simply collect devices and pass them along with little transparency. Others prioritize refurbishing, follow clear data-destruction policies, and ensure anything that can’t be reused is responsibly recycled while aiming to minimize waste at every step.  Some organizations go further by creating community value before a device is treated as scrap. They bring students into the refurbishment process, help them build hands-on STEM and workforce skills, and turn donated technology into usable products for nonprofits and others who need them.

A few questions up front to the donation drop-off can make a big difference downstream. Before donating, ask:

• What happens to the device next?

• Are parts reused or responsibly recycled?

• Is there a documented data-handling policy?

• Does the organization prioritize reuse before scrapping?

An old device isn’t junk — it’s a choice. Handled well, it can protect your data, keep hazardous materials out of landfills, reduce waste, and still do some good. Recycle with intention, donate with purpose, and don’t let value go to waste.

Authors Susan Anable, Cox Phoenix Market Vice President, and Jared Bodine, Executive Director of AZ StRUT, presenting a grant to AZ Students Recycling Used Technologies.