How to securely recycle or dispose of old phone handsets

[Lysander]

I have about five old phones to get rid of. Maybe more. I don't want to just throw them away because they must have a load of personal data on them.

I can't access most of them since I've forgotten the codes/patterns.

Is there a way I can do this for free? Shall I just take a sledgehammer to them?

 

[Lysander]

I normally reformat my old phones and then sell them off. Make sure to remove any SD cards as well.

There are a couple that I have kept as spares though, including my Galaxy SII which I use as an MP3 player as it has a headphone jack.

I would love to reformat but I've forgotten the codes to get in to most of them. I used to use my old Lumia as a wireless-only device until the screen broke for a second time rendering it useless.

BFH should do it!

You must have several.

 

[Lysander]

Depending on the phone, just boot into recovery mode and format via there.

Good idea, thanks. I should be able to do that with some of them.

 

[Lysander]

When Apple stores reopen they take handsets for free recycle (any make) and I believe you can do it online also

Useful information. Any handsets at all?

And do we trust Apple to do this securely?

 

[Lysander]

Apple will accept any mobile phone (dumb even) or computerised component / waste for free recycling.

obviously there is always a small risk of the device ending up in the wrong hands, same as any company.
Free recycling is processed in England though for what it’s worth, and recently an employee was caught “stealing” the damaged phones and was both fired and criminal charges.

if you can, make sure they’re erased etc as a standard practice and I wouldn’t worry at all.

I think this is probably the best way to go.

Do you have a link with any more info? If not I'll just look into it myself.

 

[Lysander]

https://www.apple.com/uk/shop/trade-in

Under one of the bottom sub headings

Great, thank you so much.