Washington Cell Phone Recycling

Washington leads the nation in sustainability and that includes electronics recycling. Through Big Sky Recycling, residents can securely recycle or donate old phones and tablets from anywhere in the state, including Seattle, Spokane, and Tacoma.

Washington is one of the few states with a comprehensive electronics recycling law. Through its E-Cycle Washington program, residents can drop off devices at local collection sites, ensuring they stay out of landfills. Big Sky Recycling complements that program by providing a secure mail-in option for phones and tablets – ideal for residents who prefer a convenient, at-home solution with verified data erasure.

From Seattle to Spokane, Big Sky helps Washingtonians recycle responsibly while supporting veteran, domestic violence, and environmental charities.

Why Recycle Your Phone in Washington?

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

  • Support the E-Cycle Washington program by extending recycling access statewide.
  • Reduce electronic waste in landfills and waterways.
  • Help veterans, survivors, and environmental nonprofits.
  • Ensure your data is securely erased using certified standards.

What Devices We Accept in Washington

  • 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 Washington

  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

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 Washington landfills.

Yes. Washington law requires electronics manufacturers to participate in the state’s E-Cycle Washington program, which provides free recycling for residents. While cell phones aren’t always included at every drop-off site, Big Sky Recycling offers a secure statewide mail-in alternative that meets or exceeds E-Cycle’s data and environmental standards.

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.