FOR residents & businesses

How to recycle Android devices

Android devices are unable to be recycled if they are not first factory reset, and cleared of its operating system lock. A locked device is just a pretty electronic paperweight that can only be used for screen replacements.

If an Android device is reset and unlocked before recycling, the battery can be replaced and given years of additional life for a new user with zero concerns of data privacy. Follow the steps below to prepare your Android devices for recycling.

Android Recycling Happiness Scale (A+)

1. Backup Your Data: 

  • If you haven't already, back up any important data you want to keep.

  • Use Google's built-in backup service or transfer files manually to another device or cloud storage.

2. Charge Your Phone: 

  • Ensure your phone has at least 50% battery life to prevent interruptions during the reset process.

3. Remove Google Account:

  • Go to Settings > Accounts > Google

  • Select your account and tap "Remove Account"

  • Repeat for all Google accounts on the device

4. Perform Factory Reset:

  • Go to Settings > System (General information on Android 14) > Reset

  • Select "Factory data reset (or similar)"

  • Tap "Reset Phone" or "Erase Everything"

  • If prompted, enter your PIN, pattern, or password

  • Confirm by tapping "Erase Everything"

5. Verify Reset:

  • After the reset, the phone should boot to the initial setup screen

  • Do not proceed with setup; the phone is now ready for recycling

6. Remove SIM and SD Cards:

  • If your phone has a SIM card or SD card, remove them before recycling