What to do with your old phone: Smart and sustainable ideas

It’s that time again – your trusty phone has served you well through countless texts, calls and photo ops, but you’re ready for an upgrade. The big question remains… what should you do with your old device? Instead of letting it go to waste, there are plenty of smart and sustainable ways to repurpose, recycle or even profit from it. After all, electronics account for some of the fastest-growing waste in the world, with more than 62 million metric tons of e-waste generated globally in 2022, a volume nearly double since 2010.

Let’s explore the best options to ensure your device doesn’t become e-waste.

Trade in your phone for a new one

Best for: Anyone looking to upgrade easily and sustainably.

Why trade in?

Trading in your old phone is one of the simplest ways to reduce e-waste. Instead of leaving your device to collect dust in a drawer, you can hand it over to us who will recycle its components properly. In fact, we partner with certified e-waste recyclers who adhere to strict environmental standards, ensuring valuable materials are recovered and hazardous components are disposed of safely.

Beyond the environmental impact, here are a couple more reasons why you should trade in:

• It’s convenient: Our trade-in programme makes upgrading a breeze. We accept a wide range of devices, while our quick and easy process allows you to trade in your device in-store.
• Save big on upgrades: Let’s be honest, who doesn’t love saving money? Trading in your old device can significantly reduce the cost of your new phone. Think of it as a down payment on your upgrade.
• Enjoy the latest tech: Make the most of the newest features like top-notch cameras and experience better performance by swapping your old phone fora newer version.

Sell or donate your phone

Best for: Those looking to make a little extra cash or help someone in need.

Why sell or donate your phone?

Rather than throwing out an old but perfectly functioning phone, selling it extends its life. This not only puts extra money in your pocket, but also keeps e-waste out of landfills. Alternatively, donating your device can make a real impact on someone else’s life and can serve as a lifeline to them.

Selling second-hand phones is easier than ever with platforms like:

• eBay: where you can sell to the highest bidder
• Facebook marketplace: ideal for quick transactions
• Charity shops: some charity shops or recognised non-profit groups may accept donated devices to help those in need

Pro tip: Before you sell or donate, be sure to factory-reset your phone and of course, back up important data first, then wipe all personal information for safety.

Give it a second life

Best for: Those looking to gift it or repurpose it

Why give it a second life?

Your old phone might not be the latest and greatest, but it could be perfect for someone else. In fact, if your phone is still working well, someone in your circle might appreciate a free upgrade. A younger sibling, grandparent or even a friend could find it useful. Not only is this a great way to help someone who might not be able to afford the latest top-notch device, but it keeps your old device out of the waste system. Another option is to turn it into a backup phone, which can serve as a lifesaver in case your new one breaks, gets lost or needs repairs. If this is the purpose it will be serving, simply insert an old SIM card or use Wi-Fi to stay connected.

Pro tip: If you’re using the device as a backup, consider storing it in your car or bag for emergencies. Meanwhile, before gifting, replace the battery if it’s worn out to extend the phone’s lifespan.

Repurpose it for home use

Best for: The DIY enthusiast or the tech-savvy repurposer

Why repurpose it?

Did you know that over 80% of an old phone’s functionality can still be used without a SIM card? This means that you don’t necessarily have to say goodbye to your old phone since there are plenty of creative ways to keep using it around the house. Here are some ideas:

1. Security camera or baby monitor
   Turn your old phone into a dedicated security camera or baby monitor using free apps like AlfredCamera or Baby Monitor 3G, which can save you money on standalone devices and give your old phone a new role.
2. Smart remote
   Control your smart TV, sound system or even home appliances with your old phone. Many streaming boxes like Apple TV or Amazon Fire TV and smart home devices have apps that allow remote control via Wi-Fi.
3. Music player or podcast hub
   Free up space on your new phone by using your old device exclusively for playing music or podcasts, perfect for the car, kitchen or that home workout routine.
4. E-reader
   Load e-books on your old phone and you’ve got a handy reader for commuting or reading in bed without disturbing anyone.
5. Kids’ entertainment device
   Load child-friendly games, puzzles or educational apps on your old phone and hand it over to the little ones—under supervision, of course. Use screen time limits to avoid excessive use and don’t forget setting up parental controls to make it safe for kids. For more kid-related topics, here is how you can empower your kids online.
6. DIY Projects
   If you’re feeling crafty, you can even use parts of your old phone for DIY projects. There are tons of tutorials online for turning old phone screens into art or using the internal components for electronics projects.

Recycle responsibly

Best for: Devices that are broken or too old to resell or donate.

Why recycle?

When phones can’t be easily reused or sold, recycling is crucial. Don’t just throw it in the trash since electronics contain hazardous materials like lead and mercury. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), recycling a million mobile phones can recover over 35,000 pounds of copper, 772 pounds of silver and even 75 pounds of gold. The best way to recycle your old device is to pay a visit to one of the civic amenity sites, which can be found in Hal-Far, Luqa, Imriehel, Ta’ Qali, Maghtab and Tal-Klus in Gozo.

Some stats: Less than 20% of e-waste is recycled properly, according to the World Health Organization. It’s time we change that.

Extract useful parts

Lastly, for the tech-savvy individuals, your old phone has valuable parts that can be reused. For instance, your camera modules can be repurposed for DIY projects, some batteries can be used for power banks, while the screen and buttons can be handy if you tend to repair phones.

Prioritise data security

Whether you’re trading in, donating or recycling, data security is vital. Here is what you need to do:

1. Back up your data: sync photos, contacts and files to the cloud or your computer before resetting the phone. This ensures you don’t lose important information.
2. Remove SIM and memory cards: always take out your SIM card and any microSD card, since these can store personal data even after a factory reset.
3. Factory reset: go to your phone’s Settings and select the “Reset” or “Erase All Data” option. This step varies by phone model, so consult your user guide or the manufacturer’s website if you’re unsure.
4. Double-check: if possible, restart the phone after resetting it to confirm all your personal apps, passwords and accounts are removed.

Your old phone has plenty of life left in it – whether that means giving it a second home through our trade-in programme, selling it for a little extra cash, donating it to help someone in need or transforming it into a handy household gadget. By exploring these options, you’ll not only extend your phone’s lifecycle but also help curb the global e-waste crisis.

Ready to trade in your old phone? Find out more.

Sources:
Global e-waste statistics &facts
Electronic waste (e-waste)