With technology constantly advancing, it’s not uncommon for people to upgrade their mobile phones and tablets every few years. Everyone loves getting a brand-new device, but what should you do with the old one when it’s time to make the switch?
It’s important to dispose of old devices properly to protect both the environment and personal information. This post will break down the best course of action to take when you’re preparing your old mobile phone or tablet for recycling.
Remove Personal Data
The first step in preparing your old device for recycling is to remove all personal data. This may include:
- Contacts
- Photos
- Videos
- Other sensitive information
A factory reset is the easiest way to do this, but it’s important to make sure that the reset was successful and that all data is completely erased. If you’re unsure, you can use a data erasure tool to ensure that all data is permanently deleted.
Unlink Accounts
Along with removing your data, you should also unlink any accounts that are connected to the device. Be sure to check the following accounts to ensure they’re fully removed before getting rid of your phone or tablet:
- Social media
- Banks
This will prevent anyone from accessing your accounts if the device falls into the wrong hands during the disposal process.
Remove SIM Card and SD Card
If your device has a SIM card or SD card, be sure to remove them before recycling. These cards contain personal information and should be disposed of separately.
Never throw away any device with the SIM or SD card still inside.
If you plan to use the SIM card or SD card in a new device, you can keep them for later use.
Remove Device Accessories
This may seem like a no-brainer, but another step to take before recycling your device is to remove any accessories that may be connected to it. This includes chargers, headphones, cases, and anything else that may have been used with the device.
If your device accessories are outdated, they can be recycled separately.
You should also disconnect any wireless Bluetooth devices and unpair them from your phone or tablet.
Proper E-Waste Disposal
Once your device has been properly prepared, it’s essential to dispose of it in the right way. This means finding a reputable e-waste recycling facility that follows all federal and state regulations.
Many electronic retailers offer e-waste recycling services, so it may be worth calling around. You can also check with your local government to find out where to properly dispose of e-waste in your area.
What are the Consequences of Improper Device Disposal?
Improper disposal of old mobile devices or tablets can have serious consequences for personal information safety. When these devices are not properly disposed of, sensitive information such as personal contacts, emails, and financial information can fall into the wrong hands. This can lead to identity theft and financial fraud, which can have a devastating impact on individuals and families.
A similar consequence of improper disposal of old mobile devices or tablets is the potential for data breaches. Many of these devices are still connected to the internet, even when they are no longer in use. This means that hackers can potentially gain access to sensitive information stored on these devices, leading to data breaches that can affect thousands of people.
Improper disposal of old mobile devices or tablets can also harm the environment. These devices contain a variety of toxic materials, such as lead, mercury, and cadmium, which can be harmful to both human health and the earth. When these devices are not properly disposed of, these toxic materials can leach into the soil and water, contaminating the surrounding environment.
Electronic waste is one of the fastest-growing forms of waste in the world, and it can take hundreds of years for some of these materials to decompose. When mobile devices and tablets are not properly disposed of or recycled, they collect as waste, which contributes to the ongoing problem of landfills and pollution.
Responsible Device Disposal
Recycling your old mobile phone or tablet is an important step in protecting the environment and your personal information. To recap what we’ve covered, here’s an overview of the process of preparing your old device for disposal:
- Remove personal data
- Unlink accounts and disconnect cloud services
- Remove SIM and SD card
- Remove device accessories
- Proper e-waste disposal
By removing personal data, unlinking accounts, and doing your due diligence for proper disposal, you can ensure that your old device is recycled in the right way.
If you have any questions or concerns about recycling your device, please contact Two River Computer for guidance at (732) 747-0020, or visit us at our location in Fair Haven. We look forward to assisting you!
