Where to take your old tablet
Your best option depends on whether the tablet still works. If it powers on and the screen responds, a retail trade-in program or local resale shop will take it — Best Buy accepts tablets at any store location, and Gazelle, Decluttr, and similar services mail you a prepaid shipping label. If the tablet is broken or too old to resell, take it to an electronics recycler certified by e-Stewards or R2 (Responsible Recycling). These certifications mean the company will extract valuable metals and plastics rather than dumping the device in a landfill.
Your city or county likely runs a free e-waste collection day once or twice a year — search "[your city] e-waste recycling" to find the date and location. If you cannot wait for a collection event, call your local solid waste authority to ask which recyclers they recommend. Many will accept tablets at no cost if you drop them off during business hours.
Do not put a tablet in the regular trash or curbside recycling bin. Tablets contain lithium batteries that can catch fire in a garbage truck or at a landfill, and the heavy metals inside (lead, mercury, cadmium) leach into soil and groundwater.
Key Takeaways
- Working tablets should go to a retail trade-in program like Best Buy or a mail-in service like Gazelle, which will pay you or credit your account.
- Broken or unusable tablets must go to an e-waste recycler certified by e-Stewards or R2, not to regular trash or curbside recycling.
- Most cities offer free e-waste collection events one or two times per year; call your local solid waste authority to find the nearest one.
- Remove your personal data before handing over the tablet by performing a factory reset through the device settings.
How to erase your data before disposal
Before you give away or recycle your tablet, remove all personal information. The method depends on whether you have an iPad or an Android tablet. On an iPad, go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset > Erase All Content and Settings, then enter your Apple ID password. On an Android tablet, go to Settings > System > Reset Options > Erase All Data (Factory Reset), then confirm. Both processes take 10 to 20 minutes and wipe the device completely.
If you cannot power on the tablet, the recycler will handle data destruction as part of their process — they physically shred the device or use industrial degaussing to erase storage. Tell the recycler that the tablet contains personal data so they know to use find destruction rather than resale.
If you plan to sell the tablet, erase it first, then sign out of your Apple ID or Google account before handing it over. This prevents the buyer from being locked out of the device and stops them from accessing your email, photos, or payment methods.
Trade-in and resale options for working tablets
If your tablet powers on and the screen works, you can recover some money or store credit. Best Buy offers trade-in for most iPad and Samsung Galaxy Tab models — the amount depends on age and condition, typically ranging from $20 to $150. You can check the value online before you visit the store. Gazelle, Decluttr, and Swappa let you mail in your tablet; they inspect it, then send payment via check or PayPal within a few days of arrival.
Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist let you sell directly to a local buyer, which usually brings in more money than a trade-in program but requires you to handle the transaction yourself. Always meet in a public place, bring the charger and original box if you have them, and erase the device before the sale.
If the tablet is too old or damaged to sell, donation is an option. Schools, libraries, and nonprofits sometimes accept used tablets for students or clients who cannot afford new devices. Call ahead to ask whether they take donations and what condition they require.
What happens to tablets at a recycling facility
At an e-waste recycler, your tablet goes through several steps. First, workers remove the battery and set it aside for separate processing — lithium batteries are valuable and can be reused in new devices or energy storage systems. Next, the tablet is shredded into small pieces, and magnets separate the metal from plastic and glass. The metals (copper, aluminum, gold, silver) are melted down and sold to manufacturers. The plastic is cleaned and pelletized for use in new products.
The screen and circuit board contain the most valuable materials but also the most toxic ones. Certified recyclers use specialized equipment to extract rare earth elements and separate hazardous materials like lead solder before they enter the waste stream. Uncertified recyclers often skip these steps, which is why the e-Stewards and R2 certifications matter — they audit the facility to may support nothing toxic is dumped.
Manufacturer take-back programs
Apple and Samsung both run mail-in recycling programs. Apple's program is free — you can drop off an iPad at any Apple Store, or request a prepaid shipping label online and mail it in. Samsung offers a similar service through their website. Both companies will recycle the device at no cost, and neither requires you to be the original owner.
Some retailers offer store credit or discounts if you recycle with them. Best Buy gives a $5 reward certificate for any tablet recycled in-store, which you can use toward a purchase. This is separate from their trade-in program and applies even if the tablet is broken.
Donation alternatives if the tablet still works
If your tablet is in good condition but you do not want to sell it, schools and community organizations often need devices. Contact your local school district to ask whether they accept tablet donations for classroom use or student lending programs. Public libraries sometimes run device lending libraries and accept donations. Senior centers and job training nonprofits may distribute tablets to clients who need them for job searching or telehealth appointments.
Goodwill and Salvation Army accept working tablets at their donation centers. The device will be tested, priced, and sold in their stores — you get a tax deduction receipt, and the proceeds fund job training programs. This is a good option if you want a receipt for tax purposes but do not want to handle a private sale.
What not to do with an old tablet
Never throw a tablet in the trash, even if it is broken. The lithium battery can ignite in a garbage truck or at a landfill, creating a fire hazard. Do not put it in curbside recycling — most municipal recycling facilities are not equipped to handle electronics, and the tablet will contaminate the entire load of paper and plastic.
Do not donate a tablet with personal data still on it, even if you think you have deleted everything. Deleted files can sometimes be recovered with specialized software. Always perform a factory reset before handing the device to anyone, whether you are selling, donating, or recycling it.
Do not mail a tablet to a recycler without checking their shipping requirements first. Some recyclers require you to remove the battery before shipping because lithium batteries are classified as hazardous materials. Others provide a prepaid shipping label that includes proper packaging. Check the recycler's website or call before you pack anything.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put my old tablet in curbside recycling?
No. Curbside recycling programs are designed for paper, plastic, and metal — not electronics. Tablets contaminate the entire load and can damage sorting equipment. Take your tablet to an e-waste collection event or a certified recycler instead.
What if my tablet has a cracked screen but still turns on?
You can still trade it in, though the value will be lower than a tablet in good condition. Best Buy and mail-in services like Gazelle accept cracked screens. If the damage is severe, recycling is a better option than trying to sell it.
Do I need to remove the battery before recycling?
Most certified recyclers remove the battery as part of their process, so you do not need to do it yourself. However, check the recycler's website or call ahead — some require you to remove the battery before shipping or drop-off because lithium batteries are hazardous materials.
Will I get money back if I recycle my tablet?
Recycling itself is free, but some retailers offer small rewards. Best Buy gives a $5 reward certificate for any tablet recycled in-store. Trade-in programs like Gazelle and Best Buy's trade-in service pay based on the tablet's age and condition, typically $20 to $150 for working devices.
Can I donate a tablet that does not hold a charge anymore?
Most donation programs require the device to power on and hold a charge. If your tablet will not charge, recycling is the best option. Schools and nonprofits cannot use a device they cannot test or repair.