What's Your Routers and Modems Worth? Trade-In Prices (2026)

Routers and Modems is a category of electronic device that can be recycled, refurbished, or traded in at end of life. This guide covers where and how.

People often search for "recycle laptop" when looking for recycling options. Here's what you need to know.

Last reviewed by Sarah Chen on 23 March 2026

Most people think routers and modems just become obsolete when they stop working or get replaced. They often end up in the trash, but that's a big mistake. These devices contain harmful materials like lead, cadmium, and mercury, which can leach into the soil if thrown away improperly.

The truth is, recycling these gadgets isn't just good for the environment; it's also your legal responsibility under many jurisdictions' e-waste regulations. For example, in California, you can face fines of up to $500 per device if you throw electronic waste in the regular trash bin. So before tossing out an old router or modem, think again.

According to the Shift Project, manufacturing a new smartphone produces 50-80kg of co2 equivalent.

Routers and modems are made from a mix of plastics, metals, and circuit boards that require proper recycling to prevent pollution. They don't break down naturally like paper or food waste does. The average lifespan for these devices is about 5 years, according to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), meaning most people replace them long before they actually stop working.

Where to Recycle

You can drop off your old routers and modems at various places:

• Retailers: Stores like Best Buy in the US or Currys in the UK offer take-back programs.
• Manufacturer Programs: Companies such as Cisco, Linksys, and D-Link have recycling initiatives you can participate in.
• Certified Recyclers: Look for e-Stewards or R2 certified recyclers to ensure your devices are handled responsibly.

According to the Royal Society of Chemistry, mobile phones contain up to 60 different elements, including critical raw materials.

How to Prepare Your Devices

Before sending them off:

• Data Wiping: Remove any personal data stored on the device. Some manufacturers provide software tools to help with this.
• Battery Removal: If your router or modem has a rechargeable battery, take it out and recycle separately at designated battery drop-off points.

Trading In for Cash

Some providers offer trade-in programs where you can get cash back for your old equipment:

• Best Buy in the US offers a trade-in program.
• Staples also accepts routers and modems through their recycling initiative, sometimes offering store credit.
• O2's Dreamie scheme lets UK residents trade unwanted devices for vouchers.

Environmental Impact

Dumping a router or modem into landfill has severe consequences:

• Toxic materials can contaminate water supplies.
• Valuable resources like gold and copper are wasted instead of being reused.

According to the BankMyCell 2024, iPhones retain trade-in value better than Android phones, losing ~40% in year 1 vs ~55%.

Recycling, on the other hand, reduces pollution, conserves natural resources, and helps create jobs in recycling facilities. It's far better for everyone involved.

Hazardous Materials to Watch For

Keep an eye out for:

• Lithium Batteries: If your router or modem has one of these. Remove it before disposal. - Mercury, Lead, Cadmium: These are common but dangerous components in older equipment. Make sure they're handled by professionals who know how to deal with them safely.

Repair vs Recycle

Deciding whether to repair or recycle depends on the cost and availability of parts:

• If your device is less than 5 years old and still has a warranty, it might be worth repairing.
• For older models that have become expensive to fix due to discontinued parts, recycling makes more sense.

In summary, don't just throw away your old routers or modems. Find a responsible way to recycle them instead. It's good for the planet-and potentially your wallet too!

Sources

• Shift Project
• Royal Society of Chemistry
• BankMyCell 2024

How to Cite This Page

Sarah Chen (2026). 'Routers and Modems'. eCycling Central. Available at: https://ecyclingcentral.com/devices/routers-and-modems (Accessed: 23 March 2026).