Best Buy also offers an online trade-in service for a wide variety of products, from musical instruments to DVD players and video games.
Apple has a recycling program for its devices that follows a similar procedure. For Apple’s Reuse and Recycling Program, you first define the condition of your iPhone, iPad, or Mac desktop or laptop computer. You’ll be asked questions like: “Is the battery fully charged?” and “Are there any cracks or damage to the screen or case?”
Once you’ve established your trade-in value and opted in, you’ll receive an Apple gift card that you can use online or at the company’s retail stores. If your device is in good condition, you could get up to $155 back for a black 32GB iPhone 4, up to $524 for a 2010 15-inch MacBook Pro, or up to $210 for a 16GB 3rd Gen Wi-Fi+ . Cellular iPad.
Several other major retailers and manufacturers also offer trade-in and buyback programs. Sprint has a buyback program for its products that can give you up to $300 cash back. Samsung also has a buyback program of up to $300 if you purchase a new Galaxy device. Kodak buys back several of its products, from digital cameras to consumer printers.
The EPA has a huge list of manufacturers and retailers that will take back your old hardware, as well as other resources to donate and recycle equipment.
donate it
If you’re strapped for cash, consider donating your old electronics. Your technology could be used to fund a good cause or for someone who might not otherwise be able to afford it.
The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence will refurbish and resell most of the phones it obtains to fund programs that help victims of domestic violence. Phones that are not sold are recycled. Verizon Wireless’ HopeLine program works similarly.
You can also donate your old cell phone to Operation Gratitude, which sends care packages to U.S. troops overseas. The organization will sell your donated phone and use the funds for food, entertainment and toiletry packages they send to our military. Cell Phones for Soldiers, powered by AT&T, sends troops prepaid cell phones so they can stay in touch with loved ones while overseas.
