Today I learned that Amazon will recycle small electronics for free

If you have a flip phone that you haven't used in over a decade, or maybe even a broken tablet, Amazon will pay for a shipping label you use to send it for recycling. Apparently this recycling program has been around for a while, but many of us at The Verge didn't even know about it until we saw this tweet from journalist Dave Zatz, and thought it might be a good idea to spread the word. .

Amazon's recycling program allows you to pick up your small electronics for free at any UPS drop-off location (just provide the packaging). Amazon then transfers the received devices to a licensed recycling facility, noting that it will remove or destroy any "identifying marks or personal information" during the process. Amazon still recommends doing a factory reset on your device before shipping (if it still works).

According to Amazon spokesman Saez Kolpak, the company's recycling program is not new; in fact, it has been "for years" and Amazon relaunched a new page in April to make it easier for customers to find it. Not to be confused with Amazon's trade-in program, which allows you to send Amazon gadgets, cell phones, video games, and other electronics in exchange for Amazon gift cards. You get nothing for sending equipment in for recycling other than the personal satisfaction that you're doing a small part to help the environment.

The program is limited to small electronic devices only. You can find a list of all approved devices by clicking on Amazon's recycling page (which is still fully functional, despite something you might see on the web in 2005). This includes e-readers, tablets, keyboards, mice, game consoles, device covers, cell phones, fitness trackers, smart home devices, and more. Accepts any small appliance that can fit in a small box or envelope, broken or not, as long as it doesn't have a "swollen or leaking battery."

I'm already looking to recycle some devices around my house for free, like that mini speaker I thought at the time would be a great buy from Dollar General (don't judge). And since I already have a stack of shipping boxes from my previous online purchases, I can duplicate and recycle the device.

But if you're not a cardboard box hoarder and don't want to pay for your own shipping materials, it's worth noting that you can always take your older, smaller electronics to your local Best Buy. Here, you can drop off and recycle up to three items per household per day for free (or for a fee of $29.99 for TVs and monitors). Best Buy will also dispose of your old devices for $39.99 if you order a replacement through the retailer. Alternatively, you can also pay Best Buy $199 to come to your house to pick up two larger items (like a TV or washing machine) without ordering a new one, plus an unlimited number of smaller electronics.