UPDATED 2/21/2017 We can’t live without our smartphones. The models become outdated quickly, creating lots of electronic trash. You can trade in your old phone, sell it yourself, or recycle it. What about other electronic waste? 

What to do with old cell phones

As cell phone carriers move away from two-year contracts, the price of getting a new phone is going up. You’ll pay more upfront for a phone. The days of a $200 new phone are disappearing with the bill now near $900. This will only expand the marketplace for used cell phones. That’s good news for consumers looking to sell their phone or buy a used phone.

As a mom, I always like to make money off products in my house. While I sell most old products for just $5 or $10, I want a reasonable amount of money if I’m upgrading my electronic equipment. It helps cut down the cost of the upgraded item.

First, ask your cell phone carrier what they’ll give you for selling your phone. This is important to do whether you are buying or selling a phone. It will give you a baseline price for comparison shopping or buying.

Then compare that price to the one you can find independently. Ebay Instant Sale, Wirefly, Gazelle, and Usell are just some of the sites to buy or cell used cell phones. Make sure you check out the company first, and read their FAQ so you know their policies. Will you have to pay for shipping or a commission for each phone sold or purchased?

Donate cell phones

If you’re feeling generous, consider donating your cell phone. This is really important if your phone is older and no longer holds much value.

Verizon Wireless teams up with HopeLine, which helps domestic violence victims and survivors. They take batteries, phones, and accessories. HopeLine collected more than 9 million phones since the program started in 2001. Some of the phones go to domestic violence victims. With others, the proceeds from the phones

HopeLine has collected more than 9 million phones since the program started in 2001. Some of the phones go to domestic violence victims. With others, the proceeds from the phone are used to donate to domestic violence charities.

Recycling electronics in Kansas City

It’s harder to get rid of old laptops, phones or computers that no longer have value. Most municipal trash services will not accept electronic waste.

While there are e-waste recycling companies in most geographic areas, don’t expect the service to be free for every item. You may have to pay a small fee to recycle that old tube TV.

Look for certified electronic recycling facilities. This will ensure they take the proper steps to eliminate e-waste, and protect any information that may still be on the electronic devices.

The Midwest Recycling Center takes computers, servers, laptops, speakers, monitors, modems, routers, cables, accessories, video equipment, DVD, Blue-Ray, fax machines, phones, lab and medical equipment, rechargeable batteries, GPS systems, TVs and so on.

There are fees for recycling electronics like TVs and monitors because there is a cost to properly recycle the CRT glass inside these products. There is lead in the glass, so there are special processes to properly handle it. Further complicating the issue, there are fewer processing facilities so it costs more to ship the products and the ones that remain are in greater demand. Both factors drive up the price to recycle monitors and TVs.

Further complicating the issue, there are fewer processing facilities so it costs more to ship the products and the ones that remain are in greater demand. Both factors drive up the price to recycle monitors and TVs.

The cost to recycle a CRT less than 26 inches is $30 and 27 inches or greater is $50. This includes the console, big screen, and projection TVs. Flat screen recycling prices are between $5-10 depending on where you live. The monitor is $5 unless you drop off a computer at the same time. Then it’s free. LCD computer monitors are always free.

The Surplus Exchange is another e-waste recycler in the Kansas City area. This organization refurbishes e-waste in the United States, instead of shipping it overseas like some companies. There are fees for recycling some products. Microwave ovens and CRT monitors are $10. Rear projection and tube televisions cost 35-cents per pound to recycle.

There are fees for recycling some products. Microwave ovens and CRT monitors are $10. Rear projection and tube televisions cost 35-cents per pound to recycle.

Also, check with your community to see if they are teaming up with one of these e-waste companies to hold an event. Communities often team up with these specialized e-recyclers to keep old electronics out of the landfill, especially in the spring and fall.

E-waste digital footprint

Before you send your electronics to a company, check out consumer reviews and feedback to ensure you’ll get the cash you deserve.

Also, make sure you erase all your contact and personal information and perhaps remove the SIM card if possible. You may even consider taking it to your local mobile carrier to see if they can wipe everything for you for a small fee. Some websites that buy electronics also offer the service. I wouldn’t be as nervous with a regular cell phone but smartphones are full of rich information that can be used to steal your identity.

You may even consider taking it to your local mobile carrier to see if they can wipe everything for you for a small fee. Some websites that buy electronics also offer the service. I wouldn’t be as nervous with a regular cell phone but smartphones are full of rich information that can be used to steal your identity.

Some websites that buy electronics also offer the service. I wouldn’t be as nervous with a regular cell phone but smartphones are full of rich information that can be used to steal your identity.

How to erase your digital footprint

Background check yourself: What do companies know about your medical claims and credit?

Recycle batteries, light bulbs, and hair products for cash

Tube-Free toilet paper: Is it worth it?

How to make sure used cell phone is not lost or stolen

If you are buying a used phone, make sure you don’t buy a locked or stolen phone. If you do, you will have trouble getting it turned on in your name. Buy only from reputable sources, especially ones that have a refund policy if it’s later found to be lost or stolen. Check the IMEI number before purchasing. This number is found by dialing *#06# on the phone. Then enter the number in one of the

Buy only from reputable sources, especially ones that have a refund policy if it’s later found to be lost or stolen. Check the IMEI number before purchasing. This number is found by dialing *#06# on the phone. Then enter the number in one of the

Check the IMEI number before purchasing. This number is found by dialing *#06# on the phone. Then enter the number in one of the lost and stolen databases. Ask the seller for this information before purchasing.

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