Why you should recycle
Because of certain materials used in electronic equipment, throwing out old electronic devices with regular rubbish can hurt the environment and even your health. Because of this, the EU Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive requires that these devices have the above symbol. The symbol reminds people not to throw away items, such as unsorted waste.
EU member states are also required to hit high levels of collection of these devices for safe disposal. The success of this policy depends on the active contributions of people like you.
So, before you throw your old phone, computer or other device away, think for a moment. Could you reuse it? Recover it? Turn it into a sculpture? By extending the life of your device, or by taking it to a facility for proper disposal, you'll reduce waste and help the EU to meet its goals.
Recycle your old devices with Google
Check by region
From the drop-down menu, select an option to check relevant information for your country or region.
Learn about Google's waste management
Google tries to ensure that our products are sustainable. We can help you responsibly recycle your Google products, as well as those from other electronics brands, at no charge.
How Google's waste management programme for electronics works- The Google Store works with a third-party recycling partner who only accepts used electronic devices that match a device that Google manufactures. You can return up to three old devices at no charge.
- When you use this programme, you tell the Google Store that you are the lawful owner of the old devices and have the right to recycle them.
- Before you send any devices to our third-party recycling partner, make sure that you:
- Save or transfer data of any kind.
- Delete all data from the hard drive or any other storage media.
- Remove any storage media and SIM cards.
- Remove any accessories, such as covers or screen protectors that you want to keep.
- Once our third-party recycling partner receives your old devices, they become the property of the recycling partner. You won't be able to get them back if you change your mind after the recycling partner has received them.
Selective treatment by reuse and recycling facilities
In accordance with Annex VII in the EU WEEE Directive 2012/19/EU, Google has identified the substances, mixtures and components that have to be removed from separately collected WEEE associated with Google-branded consumer hardware devices. Reuse and recycling facilities shall ensure that these identified substances, mixtures and components are disposed of or recovered in compliance with Directive 2008/98/EC. Reuse/recycling facilities can request information about the identified substances, mixtures and components requiring removal by sending an email to env-compliance@google.com.
Send your devices to be recycled
To recycle your old devices, follow the steps below:
- Request a delivery label at no additional charge. Our third-party recycling partner sends a postage-paid delivery label to your email inbox.
- Europe: Request a delivery label from ERI.
- Check with your manufacturer for data removal instructions.
- Place your device in a sturdy box and attach the label.
- Follow the delivery instructions. You can also drop it off at a collection site near you.
- Enjoy peace of mind. Your device will be responsibly recycled.