How to Recycle My Old iPad: Everything You Need to Know

If you’re wondering how to recycle your old iPad responsibly, you’re not alone. With e-waste on the rise, it’s more important than ever to dispose of old tech — like iPads — in a safe and environmentally friendly way. In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about recycling your iPad, from factory resetting it to choosing the best option for disposing of your device.

Where Can I Recycle My Old iPad?

From selling your iPad for cash to taking it to your local recycling centre, there are so many options for you to recycle your iPad. Many people don’t realise that you can earn money from your unused iPad whilst also doing your bit for the environment.

The popularity of the iPad means it holds its value for far longer than most other tablets, so you can get a good price when selling your iPad for cash.

Sell Your iPad for Cash With Compare and Recycle

At Compare and Recycle, we take out the faff in the process of finding the best price for your iPad, tablet, or mobile phone. We generate a comparison of all the recyclers that want to buy your iPad, and all you need to do is choose the offer best suited to your needs!

So here’s how to compare and recycle your iPad for cash:

🔍 Search for your phone

🛒 Choose an offer

💷 Send your iPad off to get paid!

Of course, the condition of your iPad means that the offers you receive will vary and may be less than what you may have hoped. However, it’s important to remember that regardless of this, you’re contributing to the reduction of e-waste as well as earning money from your iPad even if it’s broken. That’s a win-win!

Apple iPad Trade-In: Is It Worth It?

Apple’s Trade-In program is a convenient option, particularly for loyal Apple customers, but it’s not always the most lucrative. 

You can trade-in online or at an Apple Store and receive Apple Store credit. However, the trade-in value may be lower than what third-party recyclers offer and you can only spend the store credit with Apple. Apple does refurbish or recycle all accepted devices and even accepts accessories, which is great for responsible recycling — but if you're looking for cash, you will have a better chance finding a deal with a higher payout on a recycling comparison site.

Recycle Your iPad At A Local Recycling Centre

Taking your iPad to a local recycling centre is a popular option if you’ve done your research and found that you won’t get much money back for your iPad. This option also guarantees it will be off your hands and responsibly recycled. You should do your research and check which recycling centre near accepts electronics, then follow the instructions to ensure you know exactly what to do to prepare your iPad for recycling. 

Bear in mind that even though you’re not going through a trade-in or sale process, you still need to ensure that you have correctly backed up and wiped your iPad before taking it to the recycling centre.

You can also check your council’s website for their WEEE recycling services, which, in most cases, include collection services for your unwanted electronic items. 

It’s always best to read through the information on their website to see which electronic items can be collected and whether or not there is a fee. For more information on alternative options for recycling your iPad, check out our blog on The Ultimate Guide To Recycling Your Electronics.

Donate Your iPad to a Good Cause

Charity donations don’t stop at clothes and books; they can include your old iPad too! 

Most UK charities accept working electronics, and it’s a great way to get involved in a good cause. As always, make sure you have removed your data from the device before giving it away. If your iPad is not working or is severely damaged, however, you should consider other recycling options listed above. 

Below are some charities that accept iPad donations that are in working order:

• The British Heart Foundation - The BHF allows you to donate your iPad and other tech gadgets that have a plug and are in working order. Donations received are used as funding for lifesaving research, which essentially gives your device a new lease of life.

• Vodafone and Barnado’s - This charity uses iPad donations to tackle the digital divide, providing the opportunity for those who do not have the means to be connected to gain access to tech and digital upskilling training, which supports their journey into independence and employment.

• Little Lives UK - When you donate your iPad here, it will be refurbished and given directly to a child in need. If your iPad cannot be repurposed, then it is sold on and the proceeds will then be used to support disadvantaged children across the UK.

How to Prepare an iPad For Recycling or Selling

First off, before you part ways with your iPad, there are a few things you need to do to ensure that all of your data and information have been safely and securely transferred to your next device or at least backed up and wiped.

When trading in or recycling your iPad, you’ll need to go through the following steps:

• Transfer data to another device or back it up to iCloud.

• If you have a new iPad, you can use QuickStart to automatically transfer your data if you are using iOS 11 or later. Anything earlier than iOS 10, you can use iCloud or iTunes to transfer your data.

• Cancel your AppleCare plan if you’ve purchased one for your device.

• Sign out of your iCloud and iTunes:
  
  iOS 11 or later: Click Settings > Your name > Scroll down and click Sign Out > Enter your Apple ID password > Tap Sign Out.
  
  iOS 10.2 or earlier: Click Settings > iCloud > Sign Out > Click Sign Out again and click Delete from My Device > Enter your Apple ID password > Go to Settings > iTunes & App Store > Apple ID > Sign Out.

To erase your iPad - Go to Settings > Click General > Reset device > Erase All Content and Settings. Note that if you have Find My Device switched on then you might need to enter your Apple ID and password. For iPads that use eSIM, there will be an option for you to erase your device and eSIM profile.

How To Prepare My iPad For Sale

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you clear your iPad of all your data so you can crack on with selling it.

3 MIN READ

As you can see, there are plenty of responsible and convenient ways to recycle your old iPad, from selling it for cash or trading it in, to donating it to a charity that gives it a second life. Whether your iPad is fully functional, slightly damaged, or completely broken, there's an eco-friendly option out there for you.

So instead of throwing away your old iPad, take advantage of the recycling options listed in this blog. You’ll not only reduce environmental impact, but might also make some money or help someone in need. Whatever your reason for disposal, recycling your iPad is the smart and sustainable choice.