Get Any Mobile Device Recycled for Free

Just about everyone says they believe in recycling, but Palm, Inc. is putting its money where its mouth is. This company will cover the cost of recycling any phone or handheld, including ones it didn’t make.

Old mobile devices contain hazardous materials that shouldn’t end up in landfills. Palm’s recycling program safely reclaims metals and also isolates heavy metals, protecting the environment and making these available for reuse.

Palm’s recycling program is completely free — that includes the cost of shipping — and takes cellphones and handhelds in any condition, from any brand and also any old accessories that go with it.

All consumers have to do is download a pre-paid mailing label from Palm’s web site, or pick one up at a Palm retail store. This service is apparently only available in the United States.

Erase the Device

Some of the devices sent to Palm will be sold to generate revenues to fund the recycling program as well as the Palm Foundation, a charitable organization that supports educational programs. That’s why it’s important for anything being sent in to be recycled have all the original owner’s personal information erased from it.

Most handhelds and smartphones made in the last few years use non-volatile storage, so even units that haven’t been charged for many months can still contain personal data.

Palm has a guide for erasing the memory of its products, and it urges everyone who is going to use its recycling program to use it or some other resource to ensure that all private information has been removed.