Ohio Cell Phone Recycling

From Cleveland to Cincinnati and everywhere in between, Ohioans are known for taking care of their communities. Big Sky Recycling provides an easy, secure mail-in program for recycling or donating cell phones across Ohio, making it simple for residents and businesses to recycle responsibly. Each device is wiped using certified data-erasure software, then refurbished, donated, or sustainably recycled.

While Ohio’s Environmental Protection Agency promotes responsible e-waste recycling through local programs and special collection events, not all areas offer easy access. Big Sky Recycling fills that gap with a free statewide mail-in solution that aligns with Ohio EPA’s recycling goals and keeps toxic materials out of landfills.

Donate old phones today – shipping is free when you recycle 5 or more devices.

Why Recycle Your Phone in Ohio?

When you recycle your used phones with Big Sky Recycling, you help:

  • Help keep Ohio’s rivers and Great Lakes watershed free from heavy metal contamination.
  • Support the Ohio EPA’s recycling and waste reduction initiatives.
  • Reduce landfill waste and recover reusable materials.
  • Support charitable organizations through your device donations.
  • Enjoy a simple, secure, mail-in recycling option available statewide.

What Devices We Accept in Ohio

  • Smartphones (Apple, Samsung, Google, etc.)

  • Basic cell phones and flip phones

  • iPads and Android tablets

We do not accept desktop computers, monitors, or printers.

How to Recycle Your Electronics in Ohio

  1. Print a Shipping Label – Choose your charity and print a shipping label instantly.

  2. Package Your Devices – Securely pack phones or tablets (with batteries installed).

  3. Ship for Free – Drop off at any USPS location or schedule a pickup.

Your devices are securely wiped using NIST 800-88 standards before being reused or recycled.

Frequently Asked Questions – Ohio 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 Ohio landfills.

Ohio does not currently require residents to recycle electronics by law. However, the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (Ohio EPA) strongly encourages recycling through its E-Waste and Recycling Program, which promotes responsible management of electronic devices.

Many counties hold annual e-waste collection events, but Big Sky Recycling offers a more convenient mail-in option available statewide. Your phones are securely erased and recycled in alignment with Ohio EPA’s goals. Learn more about Ohio e-waste programs at the Ohio 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.

Learn more about our data erasure process.

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.