Get Paid to Recycle Your Old Smartphones this Earth Day

As today is Earth Day, its the perfect opportunity to consider recycling. The mobile retailer Wirefly has an eco-conscious buyback program that not only can help save the planet, but can also get participants some cash.

While Wirefly deals pretty much exclusively with phones on its sales side, the Wirefly Trade-Ins program accepts all sorts of electronic devices, like cameras, MP3 players, and GPS receivers. The company will also take in larger devices, like laptops, video game consoles,  computers, and monitors.

Users who trade-in their old electronics have the option of either receiving a direct payment, or having their profits donated directly to a Wirefly-supported charity. Currently, more than a dozen charities have been incorporated into Wirefly Trade-Ins, including the American Red Cross, EarthEcho International, and the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.

The recycling site will pay $108 for an iPhone 3G that has a charger and is in perfect condition, $136 for a Motorola Droid Incredible with the same qualifications, and $10.54 for an old Palm Pre in good condition. Models that came out within the last year and can be refurbished and resold are worth the most, while older products are worth considerably less, as they are likely to be broken down for the rare metals they contain.

Old phones, or any gadget with a battery, should not be thrown away as these devices contain toxic chemicals. They should be donated or recycled safely.