Disposing of an old smartphone in Singapore? This guide lists every option — free drop-off at major retailers (Best Buy, Staples, Office Depot), manufacturer mail-back programs (often free with prepaid label), and certified local recyclers within driving distance. Each option below shows what's accepted, the cost, and what to do with your data before handing the smartphone over.
Reviewed by the eCycling Central editorial team
When your Smartphones reaches end-of-life in Singapore, you have three routes: manufacturer take-back, council collection, or a certified recycler. Here's how each works in practice.
Reviewed by the eCycling Central editorial team on 31 March 2026
Where Can Residents Recycle Smartphones in Singapore?
Residents can recycle smartphones at designated collection points such as NEA Eco-Schools, StarHub RENEW programme drop-off boxes, and authorized e-waste recycling centers.
According to the UNEP, A single tonne of circuit boards contains 40-800 times more gold than a tonne of ore.
Smartphones recycling in Singapore involves a variety of options for disposal. Including drop-off locations managed by the National Environment Agency (NEA) and private companies like StarHub. The NEA's Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) scheme encourages manufacturers to take responsibility for their products after they've been sold. This means that when you buy a smartphone in Singapore. It comes with an implied service for recycling at the end of its life.
Free Drop-off Points for Smartphones in Singapore
StarHub operates RENEW, which allows customers to drop off old smartphones at any StarHub retail outlet or via mail-in programs free of charge. Additionally, residents can take their phones to NEA Eco-Schools and other community centers across the island for recycling.
According to the WHO, improper e-waste disposal releases toxic substances including lead, mercury, and cadmium into soil and water.
Smartphone recycling through these channels is straightforward and widely available. For instance, there are over 200 RENEW collection points throughout Singapore, making it convenient for users regardless of where they live or work in the city-state.
Special Handling Requirements for Smartphones
Before disposing of smartphones, users must remove personal data to protect privacy and comply with legal requirements. This involves factory resetting the device or using third-party apps designed for secure wiping. batteries need to be removed as lithium-ion cells can be hazardous if not handled correctly.
To recycle a smartphone safely in Singapore, individuals should first ensure that their personal information is wiped off the device completely. The NEA provides detailed guidelines on how to do this securely online. removing the battery from smartphones before recycling is important due to potential fire hazards posed by lithium-ion batteries when improperly disposed of.
Trade-in Options for Working Smartphones
Retailers like Singtel and M1 offer trade-in programs where you can exchange your old smartphone for credit towards a new purchase. For example, as of 2023, the value of an iPhone 6S could range from SGD 45 to SGD 180 depending on its condition and model.
Trade-in services are another popular option in Singapore. Singtel's My Trade-In program allows users to get up to SGD 700 credit towards a new device based on their smartphone's condition. Similarly, M1 offers trade-ins with credits that can range from SGD 20 for an iPhone SE (2nd generation) up to SGD 450 for an iPhone 8 Plus.
What Happens to Recycled Smartphones
After collection and sorting, recycled smartphones are often broken down into valuable materials like copper, gold, silver, and plastic. At Smartphones in Singapore, these components are then sold on the international market or used locally in manufacturing new products.
Once collected, these devices undergo a rigorous process of disassembly at authorized recycling facilities. Materials such as precious metals (like gold and silver) and base metals (such as copper and steel) are recovered. On average, one tonne of circuit boards from discarded smartphones can contain up to 150 grams of gold, according to the United Nations University's Sustainable Cycles Programme.
Recovered materials go back into supply chains for manufacturing new electronics or finding alternative uses in industries ranging from construction to automotive parts production.
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