The mobile recycling process is a simple one if you follow all the steps correctly, most of these are in your best interests, like removing personal data from the phone.

1.      Your mobile’s model.

It sounds silly but a lot of people don’t know the make of their mobile. So before you recycle your mobile you’ll need to do a little research into what type of phone yours is as this is important in starting the recycling process.

2.      Preparing your phone.

Most companies ask that all personal data is removed from the mobile before it is sent for recycling, this is to prevent any fraud that might happen. So delete all your files and if you don’t plan on using it again, shred your sim card.

3.      Who do I recycle my phone with?

There are loads of companies online you can sell your old phone to but you need to choose the one that is most suited to you.

Obviously you’ll want the company that will offer you the most money for your phone but another factor you’ll want to look at is postage charges. Some companies don’t pay for the postage of the phone which means that you’ll have to pay yourself, it’ll cost you about £5 (the postage costs and padded envelope included) Most companies pay the postage for you by sending you a freepost padded envelope. That means all you need to do is take it to the post office or put it in a post box.

You’ll want the most money you can get for your phone so shop around before committing to one company. Some companies offer shopping vouchers instead of cash and the value of the vouchers is usually higher than the cash. For example, if your phone is worth £100 in cash then it could be worth £130 in shopping vouchers. So if you were only going to spend the cash on your weekly shop anyway, you might as well have the vouchers and get more money out of recycling your phone.

4.      Getting your old phone from you to them.

Stick your old phone in your freepost bag and post it, either via post box or post office.

5.      Is the phone what you said it was?

The recycling company will check the model and condition of the phone once it gets to them. This is just basic admin to check that the right name is associated with the right phone.

6.      You’ve got mail!

As long as everything is in order with the phone, the model and condition you’ll receive your cash sum via the internet or a cheque in the post. Simple.