We have cell phones we want to donate, but can't figure out how to get our phone number out of them. We have removed all text messages and contacts. But we need to know how to reset the phone to the factory setting so our number (still current) doesn't show up in the information tab. We have a variety of phones. Thanks.
Bravo to you for your desire to keep old cell phones out of the landfill! I'd suggest you talk to your cell phone store. They'll know exactly how to restore the phones' factory settings. Then you can do with them as you like: sell them on Ebay or craigslist or whatever, recycle them through your cell phone store, or give them to any charity that gives them to those in need. In our area, the battered women's shelter gives them to women so they can use them to dial 911 in a pinch.
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Request: Recycle Your Old Cell Phone (08/21/2009)
When you finally decide to get a newer model cell phone, you can donate the old one to your local women's shelter.
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Request: Recycle Your Old Cell Phone
Archived on 08/21/2009
When you finally decide to get a newer model cell phone, you can donate the old one to your local women's shelter. They give the phones to their tenants to use the phone to make free 911 calls. The cell phone doesn't have to be connected to a service. Just make sure you erase all of your phone numbers and info before you give it away.
The business you purchase your new cell phone from probably would be familiar with this. My son works for Cingular and he took my old cell phone to be donated to our women's shelter. I feel less guilty now, since I don't have to throw my perfectly good (but outdated) cell phone in the trash.
Dawn from TX
Feedback:
RE: Recycle Your Old Cell Phone
I am so happy to see you posted this. Especially now since the advertisements on TV are telling you to recycle like batteries. I have given my mom one for 911 calls and the rest go to shelters. I did give one to my parrot to beat up. He hates it when I am on the phone so I took the battery out first and then he beat the heck out of it. When he's mad he throws it around, chewed all the buttons off first. But that is the only one I have wasted. For the few dollars you get to sell one, I would rather try to save someone's life and give to the shelter. As with old eye glasses, donate at your eye doctor for the less fortunate. (08/04/2005)
RE: Recycle Your Old Cell Phone
At A T and T they have a box to put your old cell phones in and they refurbish them and send them to soldiers overseas with minutes put on them. I am not sure how many minutes are put on them though. That is what I do with mine and my kid's phones. They even take the broken ones and fix them. (01/16/2009)
By Pam
RE: Recycle Your Old Cell Phone
I sell my old phones on eBay. Many recyclers are desperate for parts and they are thrilled to get their hands on a broken phone. Barb (03/16/2009)
