Frequently Asked Questions
Curious about how our free mail-in recycling works? This FAQ covers everything you need to know — from what you can send to how we protect your data.
General Questions
E-Scrap Recycling is a free nationwide service that allows you to mail in your old mobile phones, tablets, laptops, and small electronics for safe and responsible recycling. We cover all shipping costs — you just pack and send your device.
Our process makes it easy to recycle your old laptops, phones, handheld gaming systems and more. Simple request a free prepaid mailing label, package up your old gadgets and drop them off a your nearest mailing facility. Our team will take care of the rest!
We accept a wide range of small consumer electronics, including:
- Mobile phones & smartphones
- Tablets & e-readers
- Laptops & notebooks
- Handheld gaming devices
- Smartwatches and small smart devices
- Small electronics and accessories
If it fits in a small box and is considered personal electronics, we likely take it.
No — we accept devices in any condition, including broken, damaged, or not powering on.
- Request a free prepaid mail-in label on our website.
- Pack your device securely in any small box or padded envelope.
- Drop it off at your nearest carrier location.
That’s it!
Yes! Our service is available to anyone in the United States. If you can reach a mailbox, you can recycle with us.
No. Every device we receive is fully destroyed through our industrial grinder and then separated into recyclable materials. Nothing is refurbished or resold.
Yes — simply use the tracking number provided by the carrier when you ship your item.
Data Safety & Privacy
Yes. We take data protection extremely seriously. All devices are physically destroyed through a grinder, ensuring all internal components — including memory chips — are reduced to small pieces.
Even if your device cannot be powered on or factory reset, your data is still fully destroyed.
If a device arrives powered on, we attempt an internal data wipe as an added layer of protection.
However, this is optional — because every device is mechanically shredded, all data becomes irretrievable regardless of condition.
Yes — we recommend clearing personal data if your device still works. This gives you peace of mind and helps prevent accidental loss of information you may want to keep.
We recommend:
- Backing up important data
- Signing out of iCloud, Google, or Samsung accounts
- Turning off activation locks (Find My iPhone / Find My Device)
- Performing a factory reset
- Removing SIM or SD cards
If the device is broken or won’t turn on, don’t worry — full destruction ensures complete data protection.
We highly recommend removing your SIM card before sending your device. If a SIM is left inside, it will be destroyed with the device during processing.
All devices go through these secure steps:
- Intake and sorting
- Attempted data wipe (if possible)
- Complete physical destruction via an industrial grinder
- Material separation for responsible recycling
Nothing remains intact — everything is processed for material recovery.