Smartwatches and Wearables Recycling Guide - Where to Sell

Smartwatches and Wearables 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

Imagine you just got a new smartwatch and your old one is sitting on your desk. You know it's time to recycle it, but how do you go about doing that? Smartwatches and wearables are packed with valuable materials like gold, silver, copper, and rare earth elements. These components don't break down in nature and can be harmful if not recycled properly.

What's Inside Your Smartwatch?

Smartwatches contain a mix of metals and plastics, making them complex to recycle but also valuable. Smartwatches and Wearables has lithium-ion batteries, which are hazardous when disposed of improperly. According to the EPA, electronics with these batteries need special handling because they can leak toxic chemicals into soil and water.

Where Do You Recycle Them?

Start by checking if your retailer offers a recycling program. In the UK, Currys has an eco-friendly initiative for returning old gadgets. Similarly, Best Buy in the US runs a Drop Off Program where you can bring any electronic device for free recycling, including smartwatches and wearables.

According to the WHO, improper e-waste disposal releases toxic substances including lead, mercury, and cadmium into soil and water.

Alternatively, some manufacturers have take-back programs. For example, Apple's Renew programme lets you recycle your old devices at their stores or through the mail. They'll even give you an estimate of how much credit you might get back towards a new purchase.

Preparing for Recycling

Before recycling, make sure to wipe any data from your smartwatch. Most manufacturers offer software tools to help with this. For Apple devices, use 'Erase All Content and Settings' under the settings app. If your device has a removable battery, take it out and recycle it separately at a facility that handles batteries safely.

According to the WHO, e-waste contains over 1,000 different substances, many of them toxic.

Trade-In Options

Some retailers let you trade in your smartwatch for cash or credit towards a new purchase. Best Buy's Trade-In Program is one such option where you can get an estimate of the value based on the condition of your device, which varies depending on factors like scratches and battery life.

Environmental Impact

Throwing away a smartwatch isn't just wasteful; it's harmful to the environment. When these devices end up in landfills, they release toxins into the soil and water. Recycling helps recover valuable materials that can be used again instead of mining more raw resources, which is better for the planet.

Hazardous Materials

Be cautious with lithium-ion batteries. They're classified as hazardous waste due to their potential fire risk during disposal. Also keep an eye out for any traces of mercury, lead, and cadmium, which are known pollutants that can harm human health if not managed properly in recycling processes.

According to the WEEE Forum, over 5 billion mobile phones were estimated to be sitting unused in drawers worldwide in 2022.

Repair vs Recycle?

Deciding whether to repair or recycle depends on the condition and age of your device. At Smartwatches and Wearables, if your watch is less than three years old with minor issues like a cracked screen. It might be worth repairing. Companies like iFixit offer repair kits and tutorials that can help extend its life. However, if your smartwatch is older or has major malfunctions, recycling makes more sense.

Conclusion

Recycling smartwatches responsibly isn't just good for the planet; it's also a way to recover valuable materials. Whether you use retailer programmes, manufacturer take-back schemes, or certified recyclers like Sims Recycling Solutions, there are plenty of options available worldwide. Just remember to wipe your data and handle batteries carefully before recycling.

By taking these steps, you help protect the environment while supporting sustainable practices in technology.

Sources

• WHO
• WEEE Forum

How to Cite This Page

Sarah Chen (2026). 'Smartwatches and Wearables'. eCycling Central. Available at: https://ecyclingcentral.com/devices/smartwatches-and-wearables (Accessed: 23 March 2026).