You can recycle old phone cases for free through Apple Trade In, whether you drop them off at an Apple Store or send them in by mail. This is the most straightforward way to responsibly dispose of an old case without adding plastic waste to a landfill.
How to recycle old phone cases through Apple Trade In
Apple accepts cases for recycling at no charge, even if you are not trading in a device. You do not need to purchase anything to use this service.
- Collect any old phone cases you want to recycle. Apple also accepts cables, chargers, and watch straps at the same time.
- Visit an Apple Store and hand the items to a team member, or request a mail-in recycling kit from Apple's website.
- If mailing, package the cases securely and send them using the prepaid label Apple provides.
- Apple will recycle the materials at no cost to you.
No phone model or carrier restrictions are listed for case recycling.
What Apple accepts for recycling
Apple's recycling program accepts batteries, cables, cases, accessories, monitors, packaging, and more. Cases are explicitly listed among the items you can send in for free recycling, even if they are not part of a trade-in device.
Preparing your device before recycling
If you are recycling a phone along with its case, Apple advises you to back up the device first, then erase all personal data. For business recycling, you must also remove corporate profiles and disable Find My before handing over the device. Cases alone do not require any data preparation, but cleaning phone cases and grips before drop-off is a good practice to ensure they are ready for processing.
Why recycling phone cases matters
Plastic phone cases can take hundreds of years to break down in a landfill. Recycling them recovers materials like polycarbonate and thermoplastic polyurethane, reducing the need for new petroleum-based production. It also keeps potentially harmful substances such as lead, mercury, or cadmium out of the environment when cases are processed responsibly. Participating in manufacturer take-back programs supports a circular economy where materials are reused rather than discarded.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put my phone case in the regular curbside recycling bin?
Most curbside recycling programs do not accept phone cases because they are made from mixed plastics that standard facilities cannot process. Check with your local recycling center, but manufacturer take-back is usually the most reliable option.
What materials in phone cases are recyclable?
Common recyclable materials include polycarbonate, TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane), and silicone. Cases with metal or glass components may require separation before recycling. Apple's program accepts cases regardless of material composition.
Does Apple recycle phone cases from other brands?
Apple's recycling program accepts cases and accessories from any brand, not just Apple products. You can bring cases from Android phones or third-party manufacturers to an Apple Store or mail them in.
Can I recycle a phone case that is broken or damaged?
Yes, damaged cases are still accepted for recycling. Apple does not require cases to be in working condition or free of cracks to be processed through its program.
Is there a limit to how many cases I can recycle at once?
You can recycle multiple cases in a single visit or shipment without additional charges.
