By: William Sikkens
Host, User Friendly 2.0 Saturday’s at 5:00 p.m.

Big Retailers That Will Reward You For Recycling Your Old Tech

If you have unused electronics, video games, and other tech you may be able to trade these items in for gift cards, coupons, and more.  Popular retailers like Target, Amazon, and Walmart offer trade-in programs that allow you to cash in on your old stuff.

Apple

With the Apple Trade In program, you can trade in an eligible device for credit toward your next purchase or get an Apple gift card. The program applies to iPhones, iPads, Macs, Apple Watches, Android Phones/Tablets, and other Apple devices. And depending on how new your device is and the condition that it is in, you may be able to get a good chunk of money back. For example, if you trade in the iPhone 12 Pro Max, you can get up to $640 back.

Amazon

Amazon will reward you with an Amazon gift card through the Amazon Trade-In program when you send in your old electronic devices, including Kindle e-readers, tablets, streaming media players, Bluetooth speakers and headphones, home security devices, wireless routers, cell phones, and gaming systems.  Although you will get the highest rewards for electronics that are in good condition, you may qualify for a gift card even if your device is non-functional.

GameStop

GameStop will give you a choice of cash or credit if it accepts your old items for trade in. The retailer accepts smartphones, tablets, wearables, headphones, consoles, video games and controllers. Search for your item online to get an offer, and then bring it to your local GameStop to receive in-store credit or cash for your trade-in. If you are a PowerUp Rewards Pro Member, you’ll get 10% extra in value.

Best Buy

Best Buy has an extensive Trade-In program that accepts a wide variety of devices — including cell phones, tablets, e-readers, smartwatches,  cameras, video games, TVs, and more. To trade in your item, share details online about its specs and conditions and you’ll automatically receive a trade-in offer. Take your trade-in item to a Best Buy store, or mail in your item to receive an e-gift card for the value of your trade-in.

Walmart

Walmart accepts cell phones, tablets, game consoles, voice speakers, laptops, and wearables through its trade-in program.  Simply select your device and answer a few questions to get your free trade-in offer.  Send your device back for free via FedEx, and receive an e-gift card once your device is received and evaluated. To see if your device qualifies and get a free Fed-Ex label, go to https://walmart.cexchange.com/

Target

Target typically holds an annual children’s Car Seat Trade-In Event every September.  During the two-week program, Target stores accept and recycle all types of car seats, including infant seats, convertible seats, car seat bases and harness, or booster seats even if they are damaged or expired, USA Today reported.   When you trade in your old seat, you’ll get a coupon for 20% off a new car seat, car seat base, travel system, stroller, or select baby home gear.

William (Bill) Sikkens has been an on-air technology expert since 2014. With an expertise in I.T., cyber security and software design he has had more than 20 years’ experience with advanced technology. Sikkens conceptualizes and designs custom applications for many professional industries from health care to banking and has the ability to explain the details in a way all can understand.  Article edited by Gretchen Winkler, who along with Jeremy Winkler are the co-hosts of User Friendly 2.0 here on The Answer Saturday’s at 5:00 p.m.

Links and brand/store information provided are for information only and are not endorsed by Salem Media Group, KPAM or the show’s hosts.  

Got a technology question or comment for Bill? Follow him on Twitter @sikkensw