Tablets contain materials that need special handling when they reach the end of their life
When a tablet stops working or becomes too old to use, throwing it in the trash creates an environmental and safety problem. Tablets contain lithium batteries that can catch fire in landfills or garbage trucks, plus metals like copper, gold, and cobalt that are valuable to recover. Most places have rules about how tablets must be disposed of, and several free or low-cost routes exist depending on where you live and what condition the device is in.
The safest path depends on whether your tablet still works, whether you want to erase your data first, and what recycling options your area offers. This guide walks you through each option so you can choose the one that fits your situation.
Key Takeaways
- Tablets must not go in household trash because the lithium battery poses a fire risk and the metals inside are toxic to soil and water.
- If your tablet still works, selling or donating it is the best option because the device stays in use and you recover some value.
- Before you give away or sell a tablet, you must erase all your personal data using the factory reset function built into the device.
- If the tablet is broken or too old to use, take it to a retailer's trade-in program, a manufacturer's recycling service, or a local e-waste collection event.
- Never mail a lithium battery device to a recycling center unless the service specifically says it accepts tablets by mail.
Erasing your data before you give the tablet away
If your tablet still powers on, erase all your personal information before you hand it to anyone else or send it anywhere. A factory reset removes your email accounts, photos, browsing history, passwords, and any files you stored on the device. This is not the same as deleting individual files—a factory reset returns the tablet to the condition it left the factory.
On an iPad, go to Settings, tap General, then tap Transfer or Reset. Choose Erase All Content and Settings. You will need your Apple ID password. On an Android tablet, go to Settings, tap System or About Phone (depending on your model), then tap Reset Options or Factory Reset. The exact names vary by manufacturer, but the Settings menu always has a reset function. The process takes 10 to 30 minutes and will erase everything on the device.
If your tablet will not power on or the screen is broken, you cannot erase it yourself. In that case, take it directly to a recycler or manufacturer program that handles broken devices—do not give it to someone else or try to sell it, because your data may still be recoverable by someone with the right tools.
Selling a working tablet online or locally
If your tablet powers on, holds a charge, and has no cracked screen, you can sell it on Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, eBay, or Swappa. Swappa specializes in electronics and handles the payment through escrow, so the buyer cannot claim they never received it. Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist are free to list on and let you meet the buyer in person, which is safer than shipping.
Before you list it, note the exact model (iPad Air, Samsung Galaxy Tab S6, etc.), the storage capacity, the color, and the condition of the screen and body. Take photos of the device powered on so the buyer can see it works. Be honest about any scratches, dents, or battery wear. A tablet that is three to five years old typically sells for 30 to 50 percent of its original price, depending on the model and condition.
Once you have a buyer, perform the factory reset described above, then hand over the device. Do not include your charger unless you agree to that in advance—chargers are often sold separately.
Donating a working tablet to a school, library, or nonprofit
Schools, public libraries, senior centers, and nonprofits often accept working tablets. Call ahead to ask whether they take donations and what condition the device must be in. Many organizations will not accept tablets older than five years because the battery life becomes unreliable, but some will take older models for parts or repair programs.
Local libraries sometimes run device lending programs and accept donations to add to their collection. Senior centers may distribute tablets to older adults who cannot afford them. Schools sometimes use donated devices in classrooms or lend them to students who lack home computers. Before you donate, erase the tablet using the factory reset process described above.
If you want a tax deduction for your donation, ask the organization for a receipt that states the device model and condition. Keep that receipt with your tax records. The deduction value depends on the tablet's age and condition—a three-year-old iPad in good condition might be worth $150 to $300 for tax purposes, but you should research comparable sales to justify the amount you claim.
Trading in your tablet at a retailer
Best Buy, Amazon, and Apple all run trade-in programs where you mail in or drop off your old tablet and receive store credit or a gift card. Best Buy's program accepts tablets in any condition—working or broken—and pays between $5 and $150 depending on the model and age. You can drop the tablet off at any Best Buy store or mail it in using a prepaid shipping label they provide.
Apple's trade-in program, called Apple Trade In, accepts iPads and pays out in the form of an Apple Store gift card. The amount depends on the model, storage, and condition. You can start the process on Apple's website, and they will send you a prepaid shipping label. Once they receive and inspect the device, the credit appears in your account within one to two weeks.
Amazon's trade-in program works similarly—you list your tablet on their site, they send you a shipping label, and you mail it in. The payment arrives as an Amazon gift card after they inspect the device. These programs are convenient if you want to avoid the hassle of selling privately, though you will receive less money than you would from a private sale.
Recycling a broken or unusable tablet
If your tablet will not power on, has a severely cracked screen, or is too old to donate or sell, take it to an e-waste recycler. E-waste recyclers disassemble the device, separate the materials (glass, plastic, metals, circuit boards), and send each material to the appropriate facility for reprocessing. This keeps the lithium battery out of landfills and recovers valuable metals.
Find a local e-waste recycler by searching "e-waste recycling near me" or by visiting Earth911.com and entering your zip code. Many recyclers charge a small fee ($5 to $15) to accept a tablet, though some offer free drop-off if you bring multiple devices. A few retailers, including Best Buy and Staples, also accept broken electronics for recycling at no charge.
Some manufacturers run their own recycling programs. Apple has a mail-in recycling service where you can send an old iPad for free, though you must use their prepaid shipping label. Samsung and other tablet makers sometimes offer similar programs—check the manufacturer's website for your specific model.
What to do if your tablet contains sensitive data you cannot erase
If your tablet will not power on and you are worried about data recovery, do not try to physically destroy it yourself—lithium batteries can explode if punctured or crushed. Instead, take it to a professional data destruction service or an e-waste recycler that offers data destruction. These services use industrial equipment to securely wipe the storage or physically destroy the device in a controlled environment.
Data destruction services typically charge $20 to $50 per device and will provide a certificate stating that the data has been destroyed. This is worth the cost if the tablet contained financial information, medical records, or other highly sensitive data. For most personal tablets, a factory reset is sufficient—data recovery from a reset tablet is possible but requires specialized equipment and is not a realistic risk for most people.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put my old tablet in the recycling bin with paper and plastic?
No. Tablets must go to an e-waste recycler or a retailer's trade-in program, not to curbside recycling. The lithium battery can catch fire in a garbage truck or at a recycling facility, and the metals inside contaminate the recycling stream. Check your local rules—some areas fine households that put electronics in regular trash.
What if I forgot to erase my data before I sold the tablet?
If the buyer has not yet received the device, contact the seller service (eBay, Swappa, etc.) and ask them to hold the shipment. If the device has already been delivered, you cannot erase it remotely. Contact the buyer and ask them to perform a factory reset before they use it. If they refuse or you cannot reach them, the risk is low—most people do not have the tools to recover data from a reset device.
Do I have to pay to recycle a tablet?
It depends on the recycler and the condition of the device. Best Buy and Staples accept broken tablets for free. Some local e-waste events are free, while others charge $5 to $15. Manufacturer programs like Apple's are usually free if you use their prepaid shipping label. Call ahead to ask about fees before you drop off or mail your device.
Can I mail a broken tablet to a recycler?
Only if the recycler specifically says they accept tablets by mail. Most e-waste recyclers do not accept lithium batteries by mail because shipping regulations treat them as hazardous materials. Manufacturer programs like Apple's handle the shipping safely because they have the proper licensing. If you are unsure, drop the tablet off in person at a local recycler instead.
What is the difference between donating and trading in?
Donating means giving the tablet to a school, library, or nonprofit at no cost to you. You may receive a tax deduction. Trading in means sending the device to a retailer or manufacturer in exchange for store credit or a gift card. Trade-in programs accept devices in worse condition than most nonprofits will, so trade-in is better for older or damaged tablets.