What's Your Tablets Worth? Trade-In Prices (2026)

Tablets 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

Do you know what to do with your old tablet when it's time for an upgrade? Proper recycling isn't just good for the planet; it can also save you money. how to recycle tablets properly and responsibly.

First off, why do we need to recycle tablets in the first place? Tablets contain a mix of materials that include metals like lithium, mercury, lead, and cadmium. These materials aren't only valuable but also potentially hazardous if they end up in landfills. For example, a single lithium-ion battery can release harmful chemicals into the environment if it's not disposed of correctly.

According to the World Economic Forum, e-waste is the fastest-growing waste stream globally.

So where do you go to recycle your tablet? You have several options depending on your location. In the UK, Currys PC World and Argos both offer recycling services for electronics like tablets. In Australia, Officeworks has a partnership with TechCollect for e-waste recycling. Meanwhile, in the US, Best Buy accepts most electronic devices at their stores. Apple also offers its own recycling program where you can drop off your old tablet or mail it back to them.

Before you recycle your tablet, make sure to wipe any personal data clean. This is important because tablets often contain sensitive information that could be compromised if not properly erased. Most manufacturers provide instructions on how to do this through their support websites. For instance, Apple has a detailed guide for erasing an iPad completely. Additionally, check if you need to remove the battery before recycling. Some tablets have batteries that can be easily removed and recycled separately.

Can you get cash back when trading in your old tablet? The answer is yes! Several retailers offer trade-in programs where you can receive credit towards a new purchase. For example, Best Buy's Trade-In program allows you to value your device online before bringing it into the store. Similarly, Amazon has its own Trade-In service that covers tablets among other electronics.

According to the Apple Environmental Report 2024, apple recovered over 1 tonne of gold from recycled devices in 2023.

Now, let's talk about what happens if you don't recycle and instead throw your tablet in the trash. Landfills release toxic chemicals from discarded batteries and other components, which can contaminate soil and water supplies. According to a report by the United Nations University, approximately 50 million tonnes of e-waste were generated worldwide in 2019, with only about 17% being recycled properly.

When recycling your tablet, keep an eye out for hazardous materials like lithium-ion batteries. These are particularly dangerous because they can catch fire if not handled correctly during the disposal process. Also, be aware that older tablets might contain mercury and lead in their screens or circuit boards.

Deciding whether to repair or recycle is another important consideration. If your tablet still functions but looks a bit outdated, you might want to see if it's worth repairing before recycling. For instance, cracked screens can often be replaced at a lower cost than buying a new device. However, if your tablet is over four years old and has significant issues, repair costs may outweigh the benefits.

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

In summary, recycling tablets properly ensures that valuable materials are recovered while minimizing environmental harm. By knowing where to take your old devices and how to prepare them for recycling, you're doing your part in reducing e-waste pollution globally. Plus, who doesn't love getting a little extra cash back from trade-ins? So next time you upgrade, make sure to recycle responsibly!

Sources

• World Economic Forum
• Apple Environmental Report 2024
• Shift Project

How to Cite This Page

Sarah Chen (2026). 'Tablets'. eCycling Central. Available at: https://ecyclingcentral.com/devices/tablets (Accessed: 23 March 2026).