13 Easy Ways You Can Make Money Recycling Electronics

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Your old electronics might be worth cold hard cash if you follow these tips.
Updated March 26, 2024
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It’s always exciting to buy the latest gadget. But what should you do with the electronics you no longer need?

Recycling these aging items can benefit the planet and earn you money. Check out these strategies to make extra money recycling your electronics.

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Sell your old cell phone

phoenix021/Adobe disassembled smartphone

After you buy a new cell phone, you have to do something with your old phone. Numerous online organizations will take the phone off your hands.

For example, ecoATM will help you get ahead financially by paying you for the old phone. Just visit a local kiosk to get rid of your phone and get paid.

Decluttr is another site that allows you to make some money off your old phone.

Get rid of your tablet

vejaa/Adobe electronic waste for recycling concept

Tablets are fun gadgets. However, when you no longer need your tablet or plan to upgrade it, consider recycling it for cash.

Various websites — including Decluttr, ecoATM, and ItsWorthMore.com — offer the option to recycle your tablet.

Ditch an old computer

euthymia/Adobe alter ibm computer von

If you have an old IBM or a Tandy — and you are sure it’s not worth a bundle to collectors on eBay — recycle it for cash.

Call a recycling location in your area and see if it will take the computer off your hands. Big, bulky computers still have viable materials in them, so recycling centers near you might pay you a solid price.

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Get cash for an old gaming system

mehaniq41/Adobe video game consoles

If your old gaming system works and the model is in demand, you might be able to sell it at a place like GameStop for cash. However, if your system is no longer desirable, you will need to find an alternative way to get rid of it.

A company such as Gizmogo might help. It offers free shipping when you recycle a gaming system. That dusty old model that doesn’t work could be worth some cash.

Recycle old business computers

2p2play/Adobe old office and computer

Perhaps you once owned a business and now have old cash registers, POS systems, and even a few old computers. You can recycle these items for cash.

Local recycling centers might be able to help, or you could look into organizations that will pay you for these items. Consider TC Digital and PCLiquidations, for example.

Sell old smartwatches

ViDi Studio/Adobe woman checking time work

If you've upgraded your smartwatch a few times, older versions might be sitting in a drawer next to your traditional wristwatches. But don't overlook the option of recycling old smartwatches for cash.

A company such as SellCel will provide you with a price for the smartwatch on its website. The site also shows you what it pays for various brands and models.

Get rid of smart devices

Farknot Architect/Adobe woman holding iphone and tablet

When it's time to replace your smart devices with the latest versions, consider selling your existing models for cash. A variety of companies will buy everything from your video doorbell to a surveillance system.

GreenBuyback is one option for selling these gadgets. It will take most types of home automation gear, old or new.

Recycle old cameras

Rawpixel.com/Adobe standing photographer

If you have an old camera or related equipment that is collecting dust, consider selling it.

Gizmogo takes all types of cameras, as well as most brands, and gives you cash in return.

Resell items on your own

vejaa/Adobe reuse and recycle concept

If you want to support the planet and build a business recycling electronics, market yourself as an electronics recycler. You can network with area businesses, hospitals, and schools to help them turn old equipment into profits.

This is one of the best ways to both build a business and do something good for the health of the planet.

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Cash in on old speakers

Nataliia/Adobe hi-fi stereo system

Do you have old speakers from the 1980s in your basement? Cash in on those speakers at companies such as Decluttr.

Decluttr will give you an instant valuation based on the speaker make and model you own. This is a great way to clear up basement space and make money.

Get money out of your graphics card

Artem Zakharov/Adobe holding a computer video card

Rare minerals and other valuable components in graphics cards can be worth money to companies that refurbish or extract the material from them.

ItsWorthMore.com is an example of a company that will pay you money for old graphics cards.

Find the cash in old drones

olezzo/Adobe man with drone

Drones are fun, but they aren’t easy to use. So, if your drone sits in the garage for most of the year, consider selling it.

Sellbroke is a company that will pay you for the old drone. It might even take your drone even if it's crashed a few too many times.

Check out Amazon Trade-In

The Toidi/Adobe amazon gift cards

Here's a great idea if you're interested in popular Amazon hacks: The next time you plan to upgrade an electronic item, turn to Amazon Trade-In.

Through this program, you can trade in both your Amazon and non-Amazon electronics to the company.

When you do, you get a discount of 20% off a new Amazon device and a gift card.

Bottom line

Drobot Dean/Adobe holding money and using phone

According to the World Health Organization, in 2019, people worldwide produced 53.6 million tons of e-waste. Much of that waste could have been recycled instead.

So, if you want to help protect the planet and boost your bank account, consider recycling your old electronic items using some of the tips on this list.

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