Frequently Asked Questions
What types of organizations are eligible to collect?
Any individual, any organization, and any group is eligible to receive funds through ReCellOne.
What is the minimum amount of phones to collect before shipping?
10 phones. Other cellular recyclers have a minimum of 100 phones before accepting a shipment. Since we do pay the shipping costs to have your box sent to us, we ask that you please collect at least 10 handsets before requesting pickup.
How much is each used cell phone worth?
Depending on the model and market value, there is no limit to how much a used cell phone is worth. Some newer models are worth well over $300. Though not all phones are worth this much, your organization will receive the fair market value for every phone sent. Check out the value of your phone here.
What type of phones can be collected?
Collect wireless phones. Cordless phones intended for home use are not acceptable. All cellular or PCS hand-carried phones will be accepted.
Must every phone be in working order?
No. It is preferred that you send phones that are working to the best of your knowledge, so that these may be evaluated for your payment. But you are welcome to send broken phones too. Non-working phones will be recycled and disposed of according to EPA regulations.
Where do the phones go?
The working phones that have value are refurbished and sold in countries where that model's technology will work and is in demand. Some phones may have functional technology but have no market value. These go into an emergency 911 handset program for the elderly and battered women shelters. Finally, there are phones that have no value and are not re-marketed. Rest assured your wireless equipment will never end up in a landfill or dumped in a foreign country. It will be managed according to all applicable laws and regulations.
Do you accept accessories, owner’s manuals, and chargers?
Yes. Recell One accepts and recycles accessories such as earpieces, chargers, manuals, etc. However, these accessories have no value in the recycling of your phones and will be recycled and disposed in accordance to EPA regulations.
How do I send the phones to you without paying anything?
Once you have gathered 10+ phones, you can print off your FREE Fed-Ex shipping label here or email us with your shipping address, and the weight of each box. We do the rest! We will schedule to have Fed-Ex come to your location, they will already have shipping labels to put on the boxes. Either way works great and there is absolutely no cost to you!
How do I prepare the box for shipment?
Stuff the box with packing material (bubble wrap or newspaper) to protect the phones during shipment. Then completely seal the boxes with heavy duty tape.
When can I expect the payment check to arrive?
Within 24 hours of receipt, all phones are cleared of any personal or proprietary information and set to factory default status. Within days, all phones will be tested and evaluated. Once this process is complete a check will be mailed to your organization. As a rule, we do our best to issue a check within 7 days of receiving your phones.
Are phone donations tax deductible?
The value of the phones qualifies as a tax deductible donation. Please contact your personal tax professional to make sure that this is applicable to you.