Time to Let Go: What to Do With Your Old Device

There’s nothing quite like unboxing a brand-new phone, tablet, or laptop. But once you’ve powered up your sleek new gadget, what happens to the old one? For nearly one in three American adults, it ends up in a drawer, collecting dust.

According to a report by CNET, about 30% of U.S. adults admit they simply hold onto old electronics—phones, computers, game systems, and accessories—because they’re not sure what to do with them. Maybe the device still works but feels too outdated to be useful, or perhaps it’s broken and not worth the hassle of fixing or selling. Whatever the reason, those old devices are piling up in closets and desk drawers all over the country.

Meanwhile, 37% of people trade in their old gadgets when they upgrade, and 25% sell them, according to the same report. If you’re in the “keep it just in case” crowd, now might be the perfect time to reconsider.

Electronics experts say it’s a smart moment to sell. With tariffs and other trade pressures expected to raise the cost of new devices, secondhand tech could become more valuable. That old laptop or phone might be exactly what someone else is looking for—especially if they’re trying to avoid higher prices. And if you’re shopping for a new device yourself, selling your old one can help offset the cost.

If your device still works, selling it online is a solid option. You’re likely to get the highest price through platforms like eBay or Facebook Marketplace. Of course, those sites require a little more effort—you’ll need to take photos, write a description, set a fair price, and possibly negotiate with buyers.

If you’re in a hurry or want a simpler process, trade-in and resale services like Gazelle can help. They give you an instant cash offer after a quick online assessment of your device’s condition. Just ship it to them (shipping is often free), and once it’s received, you get paid. It’s fast, easy, and popular with sellers who want to avoid the hassle of private sales.

Not every device is worth reselling, though. If yours is scratched up, no longer powers on, or is simply too old, it probably won’t qualify for trade-in or fetch much online. But don’t toss it in the trash—electronics contain materials that are harmful to the environment and often illegal to throw out with regular garbage.

Instead, look into free recycling programs. Big-box retailers like Best Buy and Staples will often accept old electronics, even if you didn’t buy them there. They’ll safely recycle them, sometimes even offering a small store credit as a thank-you. Many cities and counties also hold electronic waste drop-off events throughout the year, especially around Earth Day.

Before you sell or recycle, remember to wipe your data. Back up your photos, contacts, and files, and then do a factory reset to protect your personal information. Some retailers and services offer assistance with this step, but it’s a good idea to double-check that your device is cleared before handing it over.

Letting go of an old device can feel difficult—especially when it still works. But if it’s no longer being used, it’s probably not helping you or anyone else. By selling or recycling your old tech, you’re not just clearing clutter—you’re making a smart, environmentally friendly choice that could benefit your wallet and someone else’s, too.