## What Is the Xbox Series S Worth Now?
The current trade-in value of an Xbox Series S ranges from $80 to $180 depending on its condition, a significant drop from its original price tag of $299 USD in 2020. The value fluctuates based on whether your console is "like new," "good," "fair," or even "broken."
For those looking to trade their Xbox Series S, the best you can hope for with a unit that's still in great shape and fully functional would be close to the higher end of this range. However, if it has some wear and tear but still works well, expect around 70-85% of its original price point. For units showing more significant signs of use or minor issues, you'll likely only receive about half their initial worth. If your console is damaged beyond repair, the trade-in value drops further to between $10 and $35.
## How to Wipe Data Before Recycling the Xbox Series S
Before trading in or recycling your Xbox Series S, wiping all data from it's a must. Here's how:
1. Back up saves to Xbox cloud storage (automatic with Xbox Live).
2. Remove your account by going to Settings > Account > Remove Accounts.
3. Reset the console under Settings > System > Console Info > Reset Console > Reset and Remove Everything.
4. Make sure any disc or external storage is removed from the device.
These steps ensure that no personal data remains on the console when it's handed over for recycling or trade-in, protecting your privacy.
## Where to Recycle or Trade In the Xbox Series S
Several options are available for trading in or recycling your Xbox Series S:
- **Brand Programme**: Check if Microsoft offers a specific programme for Xbox Series S recycling or trade-ins. These programmes often provide the best value.
- **Third-party Trade-in Services**: Platforms like [Decluttr](https://ecyclingcentral.com/recyclers/decluttr), [Back Market](https://ecyclingcentral.com/recyclers/back-market-refurbished), SellCell, Gazelle, and GameStop offer cash payments based on your console's condition.
- **Retailer Programmes**: Retail giants such as Best Buy (US), Currys PC World (UK), and JB Hi-Fi (Australia) have trade-in or recycling programmes. Some may give you store credit rather than cash.
- **Certified [definition of e-waste](https://ecyclingcentral.com/glossary/e-waste) Recyclers**: For consoles with no resale value, look for certified recyclers who can properly dispose of electronics.
Each option varies in terms of the compensation offered. Third-party services typically provide monetary refunds, whereas retailers might offer credits towards future purchases.
## What Materials Are Recovered from the Xbox Series S?
Recycling your Xbox Series S allows recovery of valuable materials like steel, aluminum, copper, plastic, and gold. Given its weight at 1930 grams, there's a substantial amount of these resources that can be reused:
- **Steel**: Used in construction and manufacturing.
- **Aluminum**: Ideal for making new electronics, automotive parts, or building components.
- **Copper**: Critical for electrical wiring and circuits.
- **Plastic**: Can be melted down and reshaped into various products.
- **Gold**: Valuable for its use in circuitry and connectors.
These materials can significantly reduce the need for mining raw materials, making recycling a more sustainable option.
## Environmental Impact of Recycling vs Landfill
Recycling your Xbox Series S has significant environmental benefits compared to sending it to landfill. Mining 1 tonne of gold from ore generates about 18,000 tonnes of waste, while recovering gold from circuit boards is roughly 80 times more efficient. A single smartphone contains around $1-2 worth of recoverable precious metals, highlighting the economic and environmental value in recycling electronics.
In contrast, disposing of lithium batteries in landfill can cause fires and leach toxic metals into groundwater, posing serious risks to both human health and ecosystems. Recycling ensures these materials are reused responsibly, reducing waste and pollution significantly.
Top picks: tools and equipment
Independent picks reviewed by eCycling Central's editorial team. Last checked: May 2026. Links are affiliate (we may earn a commission at no cost to you).
Specs: 64 precision bits + spudgers + suction handles
Typical price: £59-£79
Why it matters: the standard kit for opening every phone, laptop, tablet and games console made since 2010; supports [right-to-repair](https://ecyclingcentral.com/guides/right-to-repair-what-it-means)
Specs: 70W, digital temperature control, ESD-safe
Typical price: £99-£139
Why it matters: professional soldering iron used by repair shops worldwide; lasts 10+ years; recyclable tip cartridges
Specs: 17 bits + ratcheting handle, German-made
Typical price: £49-£69
Why it matters: fits 99% of household appliance fasteners; lifetime tool - won't strip screws like cheap sets
Specs: Tested + certified by Amazon, 1yr guarantee
Typical price: £199-£999
Why it matters: best-value way to buy iPhone - 30-50% off new, identical experience, year-long Amazon guarantee on the device
## Xbox Series S: complete recycling + trade-in guide (2026-05-20)
### Trade-in vs recycle decision
Use this matrix to decide:
| Device condition | Best route | Typical net value |
|---|---|---|
| Working, 0-2 years old | Manufacturer trade-in or carrier upgrade | 35-65% of MSRP |
| Working, screen damaged but functional | eBay / Swappa / Music Magpie | 20-45% of MSRP |
| Working, 2-4 years old | Music Magpie / BackMarket buyback | 15-25% of MSRP |
| Working, 4-6 years old | Specialist refurbisher | 5-15% of MSRP |
| 6+ years old OR not working | Certified recycler (free) | $0 but avoided landfill fines |
Compare 7 buyback prices for Xbox Series S in 30 seconds via our [Trade-In Best Price Finder](/tools/trade-in-best-price-finder).
### Data sanitisation steps
1. **Sign out of all cloud services** - Apple ID, Google account, Microsoft account, Samsung account. For Apple devices, removing iCloud lock is mandatory or the next owner can't activate.
2. **[Factory reset](https://ecyclingcentral.com/guides/how-to-factory-reset-any-device-before-trading-in) via Settings menu**:
- iOS: Settings → General → Transfer or Reset → Erase All Content
- Android: Settings → System → Reset → Factory data reset
- Windows: Settings → System → Recovery → Reset this PC → Remove everything
- macOS: Apple menu → System Settings → General → Transfer or Reset
3. **Verify the reset completed** - powered-on device should land on setup-from-scratch screen.
4. **For sensitive data**: factory reset alone is insufficient for SSDs (drive may retain recoverable data). Use a certified [ITAD](https://ecyclingcentral.com/guides/it-asset-disposition-itad-explained) provider with [NIST media sanitisation](https://ecyclingcentral.com/guides/nist-800-88-data-sanitisation-standards) Purge. See [Hard Drive Destruction Cost Calculator](/tools/hard-drive-destruction-cost-calculator).
### Recoverable materials
Smartphones + tablets like Xbox Series S contain (per Apple environmental reports + iFixit teardowns):
- **Aluminium frame**: 1-3% mass recovered at certified processors
- **Copper wiring**: 60-80% recovery rate
- **Gold + silver in connectors**: 35-65% recovery
- **Lithium-ion battery**: must be separated stream (fire risk in mixed loads)
- **Rare earth magnets** in speakers + haptics: limited recovery economically
Total recoverable material value per smartphone-class device: $1.50-$4.20 at current commodity prices. Look up live value via our [Scrap Value Calculator](/tools/scrap-value-calculator).
### Manufacturer programs available
Most major device brands offer free recycling for their own devices:
- **[Apple Trade In](https://ecyclingcentral.com/recyclers/apple-trade-in-and-recycling)** - free shipping, in-store credit or gift card payout
- **Samsung Recycle Direct** - free mail-in, gift card payout
- **Google Pixel Trade-In** - free mail-in, instant credit
- **Microsoft Trade-In** - via authorised partners, gift card payout
- **Dell Reconnect** (US) - free in-store via Goodwill partnership
- **HP Planet Partners** - free mail-in label
For full verified list per device brand: [Manufacturer Take-Back Finder](/tools/manufacturer-takeback-finder).
### Compliance + penalties
Personal data on a disposed device that isn't properly sanitised exposes the original owner to GDPR / state privacy law liability:
- **UK GDPR + EU GDPR Art 32**: appropriate technical + organisational measures - penalties up to £17.5M / €20M or 4% global turnover
- **US state laws** (CCPA, NY SHIELD Act, CO CDPA): per-incident penalties $2,500-$7,500
- **HIPAA** (US healthcare): per-incident penalties $137-$68,928 + per-record $137-$2,134
For any data-bearing device, request a Certificate of Destruction or use a free template via [GDPR Data Erasure Certificate Generator](/tools/gdpr-erasure-certificate-generator).
### Frequently asked questions
**Can I sell Xbox Series S if it's still on the carrier blocklist?**
No - blocked devices have negligible resale value and reputable buyback services reject them. Contact the original carrier to remove the block first (verify with original purchase records). If blocked due to non-payment, settle the account before listing.
**What about devices with broken screens but working internals?**
Refurbishers like Music Magpie + BackMarket pay 40-60% of working-condition value for broken-screen devices. Worth listing - the screen swap costs them $30-$80 wholesale.
**Should I remove the battery before recycling?**
No - certified recyclers want intact devices. Manual battery removal risks puncture + lithium-ion fire. Loose batteries also need separate hazmat shipping stream.
### Related tools + guides
- [Trade-In Best Price Finder](/tools/trade-in-best-price-finder) - compare 7 buyback services
- [Manufacturer Take-Back Finder](/tools/manufacturer-takeback-finder) - direct-to-brand programmes
- [Scrap Value Calculator](/tools/scrap-value-calculator) - live commodity-price recovery estimate
- [Hard Drive Destruction Cost Calculator](/tools/hard-drive-destruction-cost-calculator) - for data-sensitive devices
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*Device data verified against manufacturer environmental reports + iFixit repairability database + current commodity prices as of 2026-05-20. Operated by Defining Style Limited (UK Companies House 10572391, ICO Registration ZA711914).*
