Apple iPhone 12 Sell or Trade-In Value Recycling 2020

What Is the iPhone 12 Worth Now?

The current trade-in value for an iPhone 12 ranges from $70 to $200, depending on its condition and age. When it was released in 2020, the original price started at $799 USD. For optimal trade-in values, iPhones need to be in "like new" or "good" condition. A phone that's deemed "fair" will fetch less, typically between 40-65% of its original value, while a broken one might only get you around 10-35%.

How to Wipe Data Before Recycling the iPhone 12

To ensure your personal data stays secure when recycling or trading in an iPhone 12, follow these steps:

1. Back up all data to iCloud or a computer.
2. Sign out of iCloud from Settings > [your name] > Sign Out.
3. Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Erase All Content and Settings.
4. Remove the SIM card and any case or screen protector.
5. Unpair an Apple Watch if it's connected to your phone.

Wiping data is important before recycling or trading in your device to prevent unauthorized access to personal information.

Where to Recycle or Trade In the iPhone 12

Several options exist for recycling or getting cash back from an iPhone 12:

• Brand Programme: Apple offers a trade-in program where you can get store credit or cash. Visit apple.com/trade-in to check your device's value.
• Third-party Trade-In Services: Websites like Decluttr, Back Market, SellCell, Gazelle, and GameStop provide quotes for used devices. iPhone 12 offers both cash and store credit based on the phone's condition.
• Retailer Programmes: Best Buy in the US, Currys in the UK, Staples in the US, and JB Hi-Fi in Australia accept trade-ins and give you options between cash and store credit.
• Certified E-Waste Recyclers: If your iPhone 12 has no trade-in value, consider certified e-waste recyclers who can safely dispose of or recycle it.

What Materials Are Recovered from the iPhone 12?

The primary materials recovered from an iPhone 12 include aluminum, cobalt, lithium, gold, copper, and glass. Each material serves specific purposes:

• Aluminum: Used in manufacturing new devices.
• Cobalt: important for battery production.
• Lithium: important for the phone's lithium-ion batteries.
• Gold: Valuable for circuit boards and connectors.
• Copper: Widely used for wiring and conductive elements.
• Glass: Recycled to make new glass products or components.

The iPhone 12 weighs around 164 grams, reflecting a relatively modest material quantity compared to its technological capabilities.

Environmental Impact of Recycling vs Landfill

Recycling an iPhone 12 significantly reduces environmental impact. Mining one tonne of gold from ore generates about 18,000 tonnes of waste, whereas recovering the same amount from circuit boards is 80 times more efficient. A single smartphone contains approximately $1-2 worth of recoverable precious metals.

Sending electronics to landfill can be detrimental; lithium batteries can cause fires and leach toxic materials like lead into groundwater. Recycling helps preserve natural resources and minimises pollution, making it a better choice overall.