Frequently Asked Questions
Answers
Phones 4 Charity was founded in 2002 to help protect the environment and cash strapped charitable organizations. We have grown to become the most respected name in the cell phone recycling industry and have impacted the lives of millions of people by processing millions of phones and helping to promote a better environment for our society.
How will donating my phone raise money for charity?
Recycling a cell phone is similar to recycling other things such as aluminum cans. When we receive your phone(s) we inspect them and assess their value, and then pay top dollar to the charity of your choice.
Are donations to the charity made in my name?
Yes, we send a letter to the charity along with the payments to inform them that the charitable donation was made on your behalf.
Are tax receipts available for donating cell phones?
Yes, we will send you a copy of your tax receipt within 30 days of receiving your cell phone(s).
What do you do with the cell phones that are donated?
All phones will be re-purposed or recycled to ISO standards.
How much will my phone raise for charity?
Your phone's value is dependent on a number of factors including appearance, functionality and current market value.
How long will it take for my charity to receive their funds?
The charity you choose with your donation will receive their funds within 30 days of receiving your cell phone(s).
Can I donate to any charity I want?
Yes you can as long as the charity is a 501(C)(3)
What kinds of cell phones are you collecting?
We accept all cell phone makes and models; however, smartphones are in the highest demand and will raise the most for your charity. The most desired models are iPhones, Androids and BlackBerrys.
What if my cell phone has a few dings and scratches but still works?
We will accept it and assess the value for your charity based on the extent of the damage.
What if my cell phone is broken and cannot be repaired?
We will recycle it responsibly in an environmentally friendly manner that yields no value.
Does it matter what service provider my phone is for?
We accept donations of cell phones from all cell phone providers.
What if my phone has a personal lock code?
Please include the lock code in order to receive the most value for your donation.
Is my personal information deleted or do I need to do that?
We delete all personal information from the phones we receive but we welcome you do it yourself before donating.
Will I be charged for the airtime if the phones are refurbished?
When the phones are refurbished, they are completely cleared and reprogrammed to protect your privacy and maximize the value for your charity.
Do I need to cancel the phone service before donating my phone?
Yes, please cancel the phone service and pay any remainder due before donating your cell phone.
What if I have an unpaid phone service bill related to the phone?
Phones with outstanding balances with AT&T, Verizon, Sprint and T-Mobile must to be paid before donating or it will result in zero value for your charity.
Should I send the charger or other accessories for my cell phone?
Yes, send any accessories you have with the phones and we'll properly recycle them.
Do you track stolen cell phones?
Yes, any phones reported by the major cell phone carriers as stolen will result in zero value for your charity.
Can I organize a collection locally?
Yes, we will accept as many phones as you can send in to benefit your charity.
