Need help recycling your cell phones or have questions about Big Sky Recycling? Just click on one of the questions below to find the answer. If you still can’t find an answer to your question, please contact us, we’re happy to help!
Big Sky Recycling accepts all makes and models of cell phones and smartphones. This includes flip phones, android smartphones and Apple iPhones. Working and broken.
Yes. Along with cell phones, we recycle iPads, Tablets, iPods and eReaders.
We do NOT recycle laptops, desktop computers, TVs, cable boxes or landline telephones or other home electronics. Visit Earth911.com to find a local recycling center for these types of electronics.
Yes. Big Sky Recycling will accept and recycle your cell phone charging cables.
Visit Earth911.com to find a local recycling center for non-cell phone cables and chargers.
Yes, Big Sky Recycling accepts and recycles 3G cell phones. Even though 3G phones may not be eligible to be reused and/or refurbished, they can be recycled for material recovery. Recycling them ensures they are kept out of landfills and personal data is destroyed.
Yes, please include the batteries and leave them installed in your cell phones.
It’s very important to ensure that battery terminals are not exposed. Cell phones are designed to keep batteries grounded when attached, so don’t disconnect or remove batteries.
Do not ship loose or damaged batteries (for example, a battery that is punctured, leaking or too hot to touch). Go to https://www.call2recycle.org or call 877-723-1297 to find a local drop off location.
No. Instruction manuals, paperwork and original boxes should be recycled with your regular curbside recycling service.
View our step-by-step instructions on how to remove accounts and erase data from your cell phone.
If you are unable or unsure how to erase your data we will still accept your cell phones as-is. Big Sky Recycling follows strict standards of operations, ensuring data destruction on all recycled electronics. More about our data security policy can be found here.
We understand that there may be situations where you are unable to erase the data from your cell phone before donating it. Rest assured, we still accept cell phones in their original state.
At Big Sky Recycling, we prioritize data security and take steps to ensure that all recycled cell phones undergo thorough data destruction processes. Even if you are unable to erase your phone, our dedicated team follows strict protocols to safeguard your personal information. More about our data security policy can be found here.
Yes. Please remove the SIM card prior to recycling your cell phone.
If you’re not going to reuse the SIM card, destroy it. If your phone has an SD memory card, you can also remove it.
Once you collect your cell phones to recycle, a free shipping label can be printed from our website.
If you are recycling five (5) or more cell phones, Big Sky Recycling will pay for your shipping costs by providing a prepaid shipping label.
Our selfpaid shipping option, for less than five (5) cell phones, saves Big Sky Recycling on shipping costs and allows us make a larger impact by providing more to charitable causes.
Follow our step-by-step guide for instructions and tips on safely packaging and shipping your cell phones.
If you don’t have access to a printer and are recycling 1-4 phones you can simply write in our mailing address: 3860 SE Naef Rd #68025 Portland, OR 97267.
If you don’t have access to a printer and are recycling 5 or more phones, we will gladly mail you a prepaid shipping label. To request a mailed label, please contact us and provide your full name and address.
Once your phones are ready to ship, you can drop them off at the nearest USPS location or schedule them to be picked up from your home or office.
Recycling your cell phone helps reduce electronic waste, conserves natural resources, and prevents harmful substances from polluting the environment.
Additionally, when you recycle your cell phone with Big Sky Recycling, you help those in need; from supporting our troops deployed overseas, to feeding hungry children, planting trees, and much more.
Big Sky Recycling uses the power of cell phones and e-waste to help the world. Through the recycling of cell phones and electronics we help in reducing e-waste while supporting environmental, social and military nonprofits.
Follow the journey of a recycled cell phone to see what happens to your cell phones after you recycle them.
Certified B Corporations are businesses that meet the highest standards of verified social and environmental performance, public transparency, and legal accountability to balance profit and purpose.
In short, B Corps don’t just say that they’re good businesses or socially responsible businesses, as so many other businesses do.
Learn more about Big Sky Recycling’s commitment to using business as a force for good here.
We love nonprofits! We love them so much, Big Sky Recycling is built around giving back to nonprofits and our community. Despite this, the IRS does not qualify us as an 501(c)(3) charity and therefore cannot provide tax deduction documents.
We found the most effective way to give back was to become a Certified B Corporation. Rest-assured, although we are not a 501(c)(3) charity, profits from donated cell phones help to support nonprofits!
As a Certified B Corporation, Big Sky Recycling is built around supporting and giving
A request for a Certificate of Data Destruction can be made by emailing or messaging us. Please make sure we receive your request before receiving your cell phones.
A shipping label to recycle your cell phone for soldiers can be printed from our website. Donated cell phones help provide phone cards and care packages to our troops deployed overseas and returning home.
Absolutely! We believe in giving our donors the opportunity to make a personal choice in supporting a charity that resonates with them. When you request a shipping label for your cell phone donation, you will have the option to select the specific charity you wish to support. Learn more about our partner charities here.
Big Sky Recycling is always looking for new nonprofit charities to work with. Please email us at [email protected] and share your suggestions!