From the Windy City to the farmlands of central Illinois, residents take pride in keeping their state clean and green. Big Sky Recycling makes it easy to recycle or donate old cell phones from anywhere in Illinois, whether you’re in Chicago, Springfield, or Peoria. Each phone is securely wiped using certified data-erasure software and responsibly recycled or donated to support charitable causes.
Illinois’ Environmental Protection Agency (Illinois EPA) oversees the Illinois Electronic Products Recycling and Reuse Act, which encourages recycling of consumer electronics through local collection sites. Big Sky Recycling extends that mission with a convenient, mail-in recycling option available statewide, no drop-off required. Together, Illinoisans are reducing electronic waste and protecting their environment for future generations.
Why recycle mobile phones in Chicago with Big Sky Recycling?
When you recycle your used phones with Big Sky Recycling, you help:
- Keep electronics out of Illinois landfills and protect Lake Michigan from e-waste runoff.
- Support the Illinois EPA’s goal of reducing electronic waste statewide.
- Recover valuable materials like gold, copper, and aluminum.
- Support veterans, domestic-violence survivors, and environmental charities.
- Join a secure, statewide program that makes responsible recycling simple.
Recycle More Than Your Phone In Chicago, IL
What electronics does Big Sky Recycling accept?
You can donate a wide range of electronics through our recycling program. We accept:
What electronics does Big Sky Recycling not accept?
We do not accept computers, landline phones, printers, ink cartridges, or cable boxes.
To recycle these and other electronics, visit Earth911.com to learn more about disposing of these items.
How to Donate Your Old Phones In Chicago
When you’re ready to recycle your cell phones for charity follow these simple steps:
Frequently Asked Questions – Illinois Cell Phone Recycling
Yes! Big Sky Recycling accepts both working and broken phones. Even if your device is cracked or damaged, it still contains valuable materials like gold, copper, and lithium that can be recovered and reused. We make sure every phone is processed responsibly – working devices are tested and refurbished when possible, while non-functional ones are securely wiped and recycled through certified facilities. Recycling broken phones helps reduce electronic waste and prevents toxic materials from entering Texas landfills.
Illinois has an active electronics recycling law under the Illinois Electronic Products Recycling and Reuse Act, which requires manufacturers of covered electronic devices to fund recycling programs. However, individual residents are not legally required to recycle their cell phones or other personal electronics.
The Illinois EPA encourages residents to use approved recyclers and collection sites to reduce landfill waste. Big Sky Recycling offers a convenient mail-in solution that complements these programs, ensuring your phones are securely erased and recycled responsibly. Learn more about Illinois e-waste initiatives at the Illinois EPA.
Absolutely. Every device sent to Big Sky Recycling is securely wiped using certified data erasure software compliant with NIST 800-88 standards. This process permanently removes all personal information: photos, messages, contacts, and stored data – making recovery impossible.
For phones that can’t be powered on or accessed, we ensure secure physical destruction through our downstream R2-certified recycling partners. Whether your device is reused, refurbished, or responsibly recycled, your data is completely protected from start to finish.
Get Started Today
select a shipping method
SelfPaid Shipping
(1-4 Phones)
Help us by paying for shipping. This allows us to make a larger impact and provide more to charity.
PrePaid Shipping
(5+ Phones)
If you recycle five (5) or more cell phones, Big Sky Recycling will provide a free prepaid shipping label.