Frequently Asked Questions

How does the program work?

You ship your old cell phones and electronics to Cellular Recycler. They will refurbish and resell the collected items on your behalf. A portion of the proceeds will come to the National Domestic Violence Hotline to support our services that help victims and survivors of domestic violence.

Roughly 60% of the collected items will be refurbished and resold. The remaining items are recycled according to the highest environmental standards.

What does the National Domestic Violence Hotline use the donated funds for? 

Provide more survivors the hope they need on their journey to safety.

Expand our abuse prevention and healthy relationship education for youth through love is respect.

Build additional pathways to lifesaving information and resources for those not feeling safe enough to wait or reach out.

Help raise awareness of domestic violence and the intersectional issues that also affect victims and survivors on their path towards safety.

What electronics do you accept for recycling?

We accept:

• Any cell phone in any condition as well as their accessories
• Tablets and iPads
• Apple and Android watches
• Laptops
• Mp3 Players
• Digital Cameras
• Video Game Systems
• Chargers, accessories, cords, GPS systems, phone cases, etc. (these items are recycled only; no value granted)

Which electronics are not accepted for recycling?

We do not accept:

• Printers
• Desktop Computers
• Computer Monitors
• Scanners

How much are my items worth?

The value of all donated electronics is based on the current wholesale value of that item. The total amount received by The Hotline (approximately 1/3 of the wholesale value) from your donation. If you have any questions on the tax deductibility of your gift, please consult your tax advisor.

Review a list of current values on Common Electronics: 

Check Item Value

If you have questions about the estimated value of your donation to The Hotline, please contact [email protected] or call your 1.877.CR.GIVES (1.877.274.4837) and press option 1.

Want to hold a collection?

Thank you for your support! Click here to order free collection boxes and posters. Ship your donations using the information under “Donating three or more phones.”

Have questions about holding a collection? Email [email protected].

Donating three (3) or more items?

Congratulations, if you want to donate three or more items, you qualify for free shipping!

Follow these instructions:

1. Fill out the “Print Label.”
2. Once complete, choose “Submit.”
3. Be sure to print the battery label FIRST as instructed! Adhere it to the outside of the box.
4. Next print TWO separate shipping labels (include one INSIDE the package and use the other to adhere to the outside of the package).
5. Drop off your package at any FedEx location or drop box.

PLEASE NOTE: You may be asked for a UN# before shipping for hazardous material warning. The UN# is UN3481.

Donating fewer than three (3) items?

Unfortunately, this does not qualify for free shipping. Please follow these instructions:

1. Print Li-Ion Battery shipping label
2. Adhere it to the outside of your package.
3. Ship your items to:

Cellular Recycler
ATTN: The National Domestic Violence Hotline
3131 N. 75th St.
Boulder, CO 80301

PLEASE NOTE: You may be asked for a UN# before shipping for hazardous material warning. The UN# is UN3481.

What about my data and privacy -- do I need to “wipe” information from my device before donating?

Yes. Every device that is received must successfully pass our data-clear process. If it fails this process, the device is physically destroyed to ensure the data is unrecoverable.

Below are the links for an Apple and Samsung device reset:  

Apple’s “Erase iPhone” Instructions

Samsung’s Factory Reset Instructions

Will I receive a donor acknowledgement?

All donations are received directly by our recycling partner, Cellular Recycler. Please download this acknowledgement letter and fill it out for your taxes. If you need something more detailed, email [email protected].