As technology evolves, so does the amount of electronic waste that we generate. Old phones, tablets, and laptops are regularly recycled, but what about phone cases? These often get overlooked, yet they contribute to the growing amount of e-waste that ends up in landfills. It is estimated that 1.5 billion phone cases end up in trash or landfills every year.
Fortunately, there are several ways to recycle phone cases, and in this blog post, we’ll explore some of the most popular options.
Manufacturer Recycling Programs
One of the easiest ways to recycle a phone case is to take advantage of the manufacturer’s recycling program. Many phone case manufacturers have implemented programs that allow customers to send in their old cases for recycling. For example, OtterBox has a program called the OtterCares Foundation, which provides an online tool to help you recycle your phone case. Simply enter the brand of your phone case, and it will provide instructions on how to recycle it.
Another popular manufacturer that offers a recycling program for phone cases is claspp.com. Their program allows customers to send in their old phone cases for recycling. To participate, simply visit their website at www.claspp.com and follow the instructions provided.
While manufacturer recycling programs are a convenient option, they do have some limitations. For example, not all phone case manufacturers offer recycling programs, and even those that do may have restrictions on the types of cases they accept. Additionally, depending on the manufacturer, you may need to pay for shipping or incur other fees to participate in the program.
Retail Store Programs
Another option for recycling phone cases is to take advantage of retail store programs. Many big-box retailers, such as Best Buy and Staples, offer electronic recycling programs that accept phone cases. To participate, simply visit your local store and drop off your old phone case.
Retail store programs are a convenient option for many people, as they are often available in most communities and are easy to use. Additionally, many retailers offer incentives, such as discounts on new products or store credit, for participating in their recycling programs. However, it’s important to note that not all retail stores accept all types of phone cases, so be sure to check with your local store before dropping off your old case.
Local Recycling Programs
Depending on where you live, your local recycling program may accept phone cases. Most communities have a waste management department that oversees the recycling of various materials. To find out if your local program accepts phone cases, check with your city or county’s waste management department.
Local recycling programs are a great option for those who are looking to recycle their phone cases but don’t have access to a manufacturer or retail store recycling program. Additionally, local recycling programs are often free to use, and many communities offer curbside pickup of recyclable materials, making it easy to dispose of your old phone case. However, it’s important to note that not all communities accept all types of phone cases, so be sure to check with your local waste management department before disposing of your old case.
TerraCycle
TerraCycle is a company that offers recycling programs for hard-to-recycle materials. They have a program specifically for phone cases and other mobile phone accessories. To participate in the program, simply sign up on their website and mail your phone cases to them for recycling. TerraCycle is a great option for those who are committed to reducing their environmental impact and want to recycle as much as possible. Additionally, TerraCycle offers incentives for participating in their recycling programs, such as discounts on new products.
eBay for Charity
Another option for recycling phone cases is to sell them on eBay for Charity. This program allows you to sell your old phone case and donate the proceeds to a charity of your choice. To participate, simply create an eBay listing for your phone case, choose a charity to support, and donate the proceeds when the item sells.
In conclusion, phone cases can be recycled in a variety of ways, and it’s important to dispose of them properly to protect the environment. Phone cases that end up as plastic waste or in a landfill slowly break down over hundreds of years releasing microplastics that contaminate the earth and water. Whether through the manufacturer or retail store programs, local recycling programs, TerraCycle, or donation and repurposing, there are many options available to help you recycle your phone case. It is up to you to take responsibility and do the right thing for the environment and future generations.
For more information about recyclable phone cases visit https://claspp.com/pages/inside-claspp.
References:
- Can you recycle old phone cases? How to dispose of them sustainably by Andrew Korosofsky Greenmatters.com
- What to do with old phone cases? Recycling and Reuse by Jennifer Okafor Trvst. world
- What to do with your old phone cases by Joe Fedewa How-to-Geek.com
- Can you recycle phone cases? ( And ways to dispose of ) Conserve-energy-future.com
- Are you properly disposing of your old cell phone cases? closetheloop.com