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Some towns and cities have their own electronics collection days. If you live in the United States, TIA E-Cycling Central (http://www.ecyclingcentral.com/) provides a list of these locally sponsored events organized by state. Remember that cell phones are considered hazardous waste in some regions, such as the state of California. Disposal at an unauthorized site or landfill can be a serious crime.  The site http://www.Call2Recycle.org helps residents of the United States and Canada find local drop-off locations for both cell phones and rechargeable batteries by entering a ZIP code. International residents can use Sustainable Electronics Recycling International (https://sustainableelectronics.org/) to find recycling locations in regions around the world like Brazil, China, India, Japan, South Africa, and the Netherlands. Retailers like Best Buy, Circuit City, and Staples often sponsor local electronics recycling events. At these events, customers are encouraged to drop off cell phones, as well as other electronic devices (like PCs, monitors, and televisions). Cell phone manufacturers like Samsung, Motorola, and Nokia have voluntarily implemented recycling programs. Most offer free recycling services on their website or provide postage-paid recycling envelopes with all new cell phones.  Options vary depending on your product and location. Check your manufacturer's website or call their customer support for more information. Most manufacturers partner with Call2Recycle for battery recycling. Cell phone service providers like Verizon, Alltel, and AT&T offer free in-store recycling with proceeds benefiting their favorite organizations. Start by checking the local recreation centers and senior organizations. Another option is The World Computer Exchange (https://worldcomputerexchange.org/), which takes old phones and donates them to communities in developing countries around the world.  Always ask for a receipt so you can claim your donation on your tax return next year. The 911 Cell Phone Bank (https://www.911cellphonebank.org/) is a 501c3 public charity that accepts donations that are used as emergency cell phones (any inactive cell phone within the range of a cellular tower can make a 911 emergency call).
Recycle your old phone through a local community organization. Send your phone to a manufacturer recycling program for free shipping. Donate your phone to a nonprofit or charity to claim your donation at tax time.