How to dispose of a tablet starts with protecting your data. Back up anything you want, sign out of your accounts, and do a factory reset so the next person cannot access your information or be blocked by activation locks. Then trade it in, sell it, donate it if it works, or take it to an e-waste recycler. Tablets have built-in lithium-ion batteries, so they should never go in the trash or curbside recycling.
Prepare the tablet
- Back up photos, files, and app data to the cloud or a computer.
- Sign out of app stores, email, and cloud accounts.
- Turn off device-finding or activation lock features, which can otherwise block reuse.
- Remove SIM and memory cards if present.
- Factory reset from the settings menu.
- Unpair it from accounts and remove it from your device list online.
Trade-in and resale
| Option | Notes |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer trade-in | Credit or free recycling; some accept non-working devices |
| Carrier trade-in | For cellular tablets |
| Retail trade-in | Gift card credit |
| Resale sites | Best value for working, newer models |
Even older tablets may have some trade-in or recycling value.
Donating
Working tablets help schools, senior centers, and nonprofits. Include the charger if you can. Make sure it is reset and unlocked.
E-waste recycling
Broken or very old tablets go to an e-waste recycler, electronics store take-back program, or county collection event. Recyclers recover metals and handle the battery safely. See electronics kept out of the trash pit.
Damaged or swollen tablets
A swollen battery can push the screen out of the case. Stop using it, do not charge it, keep it in a cool, non-flammable spot, and take it to e-waste or hazardous waste promptly. Tell staff it is swollen. See how to dispose of a power bank for similar lithium precautions.
Cases and accessories
Chargers and cables go to e-waste. Plastic or silicone cases go in the trash unless a take-back program accepts them. Keyboard cases with batteries go to e-waste.
E-readers and kids tablets
E-readers and children’s tablets follow the same steps: reset, remove accounts, and recycle as e-waste.
If the tablet will not turn on
A tablet that will not power up can still hold your data. Try charging it for an hour with a known-good charger, then attempt a reset. If it is truly dead, you can remove it from your account online through the manufacturer’s device list, which also releases activation lock in many cases. Reputable e-waste recyclers and manufacturer programs shred or wipe storage, so ask how they handle data if that matters to you. Some recyclers provide a certificate of data destruction for business devices.
How to dispose of a tablet FAQ
Can I throw a tablet in the trash?
No. Its lithium battery requires e-waste or battery recycling.
How do I wipe a tablet before recycling?
Back up, sign out of accounts, disable activation lock, and factory reset.
Can I trade in a broken tablet?
Some manufacturers accept non-working devices for recycling or small credit.
Where can I donate an old tablet?
Schools, senior centers, and nonprofits often accept working tablets.
What if my tablet battery is swollen?
Stop using it and take it to e-waste or hazardous waste promptly.
The bottom line
How to dispose of a tablet: back up data, sign out, disable activation locks, and factory reset; then trade it in, sell or donate it, or take it to an e-waste recycler. Never trash it because of the lithium battery, and handle swollen units carefully. Use the map to find an e-waste drop-off near you.
Guides and tools
Electronics recycling guide · Battery recycling guide · Dump cost calculator · All material guides