In 2022, there were 8.58 billion mobile subscriptions worldwide, exceeding the global population of 7.95 billion. With more mobile phones than people, there’s a surplus of phone cases produced and discarded, contributing to microplastic release and landfill pollution. But, what to do with these old cell phone cases, and where to recycle and sell them? Let’s find answers to all these queries in this blog.
What to Do With Old Phone Cases?
Here are some of the best and most creative things to do with an old phone case.
1. Repurpose
Generally, it means to give a new purpose to old things or send them back to the company where the product will be broken down and used in manufacturing new products.
a. Luggage tag: Attach the hole slot of the old phone case to your luggage using a sturdy string, and insert/stick a piece of paper with your contact information. Now you have a durable and personalized luggage tag.
b. Organizer: Transform the phone case into a wardrobe organizer by creating dividers to store small items, like coins, jewelry, or office supplies.
c. Picture frame: Print the photo in the size of your case, insert it into the case, use some artwork, or paint the edges. Display it on a desk, shelf, or wall using a stand or adhesive hook.
d. Sauser: Avoid watermarks on surfaces by using unused phone cases as temporary saucers or coasters.
e. Rubberband holder: Stack your rubber bands on the phone case one after another to store them hassle-free and keep them readily available.
f. Painting palette: You can use the old phone case to mix and blend different colors and be used as a palette.
g. Room decor: Collect all old phone cases, tie them with a colorful ribbon, add embellishments, and hang them in the room for cool decor.
h. Belt hanger: Cut open the old phone case and remove the inner part, leaving the edges intact. Hang it on any hook and insert all the belts. Take it when ready to use.
i. DIY charging port: Connect the charger pin inside the camera slot, pull the other end of the wire through the side volume holes of the case, and connect the phone. Once connected, the phone will start charging.
j. Cord organizer: Cut the phone case into strips and use them to wrap and organize cords and cables. This will help prevent tangling and keep your cords neat, whether at home or traveling.
k. Key chain or bag charm: Attach the phone case to a key ring or a clip to create a unique key chain or bag charm. You can further personalize it by adding beads, charms, or other decorative elements.
l. Key dish: Place the phone case near your entryway and use it as a designated dish for your keys.
m. Soap dish: Use the bottom part of the phone case as a soap dish. This soap dish has raised edges to prevent soap from sliding off and is made of easy-to-clean plastic.
Cross-reference: Ways to reduce wastage of old phone cases
2. Partner with Recycling Programs
Many of us are still determining whether phone cases can be recycled or not and where to take them. Fortunately, there are several recycling programs available for old phone cases. A few of them are as follows:
a. Terracycle: PopSockets has partnered with this company to recycle old phone covers.
b. Pelacase: Customers can send back their old Pelacase compostable cases through their Pela 360 Program.
c. Case-mate: Partnered with the Close the Loop program, the Recycle with Case-mate initiative accepts old phone cases made from various materials, including plastic and silicone.
d. Casetify: Customers can request a prepaid shipping label from Casetify’s website to send back their old cases for recycling.
e. Incipio: Here old cases are recycled and materials are used in the new products. There are instructions on its website for how to properly pack and ship the cases.
If interested, check out Plastic Recycling Codes and Numbers Chart.
3. Sell and Give to Peers
When looking to sell your old phone cases, several platforms have different buying options.
a. Craigslist: Create photos and a descriptive title of your old phone case, create a pitch and you can sell at your desired price.
b. eBay: You can create a listing for your old phone cases here, setting your desired price and shipping options.
c. Local Facebook groups: Communities have these groups dedicated to buying, especially a targeted audience within your area. Joining these groups for selling old phone covers is fun and easier.
d. Local Trade Stores: Check if any local buy-sell-trade stores in your area accept phone covers for resale. There are several other online marketplaces where you can sell these cases, however, be sure to research and choose the one that best suits your needs.
You can also give old phone cases to your peers, friends, and family who ever need them, extending their lifespan and reducing waste.
4. Donate
It is another great way of repurposing old used phone cases, Here are a few among many donation programs.
a. Freecycle: This organization operates in a gift economy mode. You can post details, conditions, and brands, offering your old phone covers for free, and allowing others in your community to benefit from them.
b. Secure the Call: This nonprofit organization repurposes old cell phones and giveaways, they also accept donations of cell phone cases to accompany the refurbished phones they distribute.
c. Community Organizations: Contact local shelters and community organizations in your area to inquire about their donation policies and how to contribute to cell phone covers.
Note: Before opting for donating, please check if the condition of the case is intact.
Also See: 30+ Nifty Ways to Reuse Plastic at Home: Bottles, Bags and Other items
5. Recycle Through the Manufacturer
Many cell manufacturers offer programs that allow customers to return their old cell phone cases, along with other electronic accessories, directly to the manufacturer for recycling. By recycling these phone covers, manufacturers help create a closed-loop system where materials are continuously circulated and reused, reducing the need for virgin resources and minimizing environmental impact.
Wavecase, Gonimble, Spigen, and Ecoblvd are some companies that take the initiative to promote sustainability by offering a free pre-paid shipping label for returning plastic cases to be recycled.
These are the ways of repurposing or recycling old phone cases that offer an opportunity to reduce plastic waste. Through these actions, we can indulge resourcefulness and environmental consciousness. To learn more about recycling, explore the dedicated category.
