ecoATM is a fast, safe and convenient way to recycle your cell phone, MP3 player, or tablet for instant cash!

We currently accept cell phones, MP3 players and tablets. If you want a device estimate, visit our Devices page.

ecoATM prices each phone based on:
• Model
• Specific condition
• Value in the secondary markets
The specific condition of each individual phone is carefully determined by the ecoATM machine vision system, electrical diagnostics, and artificial intelligence system in order to get the best price we can find in secondary markets. For example, a phone with water damage or a broken LCD will be worth less than a fully functional phone, and an older phone will be priced lower than a phone that’s still performing well in the secondary markets. The more popular a device, the more likely it will fetch a higher price. 

We offer a convenient digital payment option for those looking to receive funds via a PayPal or Venmo account. To receive digital payment, you must make sure that:
1. Your PayPal or Venmo account is activated and verified.
2. You double check the information you enter at the kiosk to ensure that funds are going to your account. 

We strongly encourage opting in to receive a receipt via email when selecting the digital payment option. This will have details of the transaction which are necessary should you need to reach out to our customer care team regarding digital payment.

If a Venmo number or PayPal email is entered incorrectly at the kiosk, this can delay your payment. Venmo payments can take up to one month to be returned. PayPal payments can take up to six months to be returned.

If your Venmo or PayPal account is active and verified, you should see your payment in your account within 2 hours. Please note, sometimes it may take up to 24 hours to reflect new payment.

If your Venmo or PayPal account is not active or hasn’t been verified, the payment may appear as “pending” until you are able to verify your account. Should you come across this issue, we recommend visiting the PayPal verification help page and the Venmo verification help page for further troubleshooting.

We accept all phones that are locked to specific carriers as well as unlocked devices.

ecoATM shops worldwide channels for the best prices we can find for each individual phone model (we fully vet our buyers to make sure they meet environmental standards). Our prices are competitive with other cell phone buyback services and we accept more kinds of devices than most of our competitors. ecoATM also provides immediate evaluation and payment, unlike online methods that can take as long as 45 days to pay. Additionally when selling online there are often disagreements with the grade of the phone which results in a substantially different offer than the one first quoted. This never happens with ecoATM. Check here to see exactly what we are talking about.

ecoATM also provides immediate evaluation and payment, unlike online methods that can take as long as 45 days to pay. Additionally, in online selling, consumers “grade” the condition of their own phone and it is often the case that once the buyers disagree with that condition “grading” and in turn offer substantially less than was originally quoted and expected. This never happens with ecoATM. 

ecoATM does not accept chargers or accessories for sale or recycling.

If your device will charge we recommend charging it before coming to the ecoATM kiosk. This ensures the fastest time and best price at the kiosk. We do accept phones that are not fully charged, however. For other tips on how to prepare, see our How to Sell Your Phone Guide.

The majority of the devices we receive are reused, while the remaining devices are responsibly recycled. Almost all consumer electronics contain toxic materials such as lead, cadmium, mercury, arsenic and a broad variety of other materials that pose a threat to the environment and our health. The best thing we can do for the environment is to extend the usage of existing devices as long as possible so that there is no need to build new devices to take their place. After a device is no longer usable, the next best thing we can do is to responsibly reclaim materials.

For more on this, please visit our Going Green page. 

This is false. Whenever someone uses an ecoATM, they are required to present a valid ID, which is then scanned so our team of online attendants (real, live human beings) can check it against multiple photos the ecoATM has taken of the seller in front of the machine. The transaction will be declined if:
 • The person doesn’t match the ID
 • If they’re under 18 years old
 • The ID is invalid
Though we love and trust our machines, you can rest assured that you are never alone when you’re visiting your local ecoATM.

EcoATM is committed to making its website accessible to all individuals. Please click here to review our Accessibility Statement

We have worked very hard to make sure that ecoATM is one of the worst places for a thief to bring a stolen phone. Our kiosks have a variety of security features installed, including:
• Required Photo Scan
• Required ID Scan and Validator
• Live Verification (verified by live agents back at our headquarters)

We have worked very hard to make sure that ecoATM is one of the worst places for a thief to bring a stolen phone. Our kiosks have a variety of security features installed, including:

• Required Photo Scan
• Required Thumbprint Scan
• Required ID Scan (verified by live agents back at our headquarters)

Once we receive your device at our process center in San Diego, it will be held on our property for a minimum of 30 days, just in case. ecoATM happily and voluntarily cooperates with law enforcement when requested. If a missing phone does end up in one of our machines, it is returned to the rightful owner, free of charge.

We want to make sure that you get not only convenience and instant cash with ecoATM, but also a safe and comfortable experience.

Not at this time. ecoATM builds, owns, maintains and installs the kiosks in high-traffic retail locations.

ecoATM has become aware that individuals or entities unrelated to ecoATM are offering to sell, lease or license ecoATM kiosks. Please be advised that ecoATM does not sell, lease or license its kiosks, and has not authorized any individuals or entities to sell, lease or license its kiosks. Please disregard any such offers and report them so that we may take appropriate action to prevent any potential fraud to consumers or harm to our business. 

If the item is not a device, we are unable to return it. This is because the item is not traceable, meaning the item doesn't have a unique identifying serial number or equivalent. There are signs surrounding the Accessory Bin, encouraging users to only drop cables, cases or other unwanted accessories.

However, if it is a device, you will need to contact Customer Service to start the process of recovering the device.

When you contact Customer Service, please be prepared to provide the following information.Without this information, we are unable to assist you.

 • Date device was placed in bin accessory
 • Device’s IMEI or serial number. If you aren’t sure how to find this information watch our video which demonstrates this around the 2:00 mark of playback.
 • Description of the device
 • Full name of the owner of the device
 • Owner’s mailing address
 • Owner’s email address
 • Owner’s phone number

If we are able to locate your device, our Claims department will contact you with next steps. This includes:

 • The customer mailing in a US Money Order for $20.00. This is for processing and shipping the device back to the consumer.
 • The address that the device should be mailed back to.
 • Your case number, provided by ecoATM.

You will need to contact Customer Service to start the process of determining if ecoATM has your device. When you contact Customer Service, please be prepared to provide the following information.Without this information, we are unable to assist you.

• Approximate date the device went missing or was stolen – Please note that if it’s been more than 30 days since the device  went missing, the device is no longer available to return to you.
• Device’s IMEI or serial number. If you aren’t sure how to find this information watch our video which demonstrates this around the 2:00 mark of playback.
• Description of the device.
• The full name of the owner of the device
• Owner’s mailing address
• Owner’s email address
• Owner’s phone number

If we are able to locate your device, our Claims department will contact you with next steps to help return the device to you. These steps include:

• Having the customer get a police report – this can be obtained from your local law enforcement office. Without this document, we are unable to return the device.
• Providing a written authorization/release statement from law enforcement - this can be obtained from your local law enforcement office as well. This document ensures the device doesn’t need to be kept for legal or ongoing case reasons.Without this document, we are unable to return the device.
• Your case number.

Once we have received these documents, we’ll prepare the device to be shipped back to the address you provided.

Once you accept the price offer and complete the steps on the kiosk, a pop-up will appear to let you know that you won’t be able to get your device back after that point. Tapping ‘LET’S DO IT’ will finalize the sale and you will not be able to get your device back.
All sales to ecoATM are final. Please note that you are responsible for ensuring that all personal information (including SIM cards and memory cards), accessories, and cases have been removed from the device. ecoATM is not responsible for returning any items you place in the kiosk. 

Identification is required to validate the identity of the person selling a device to ecoATM. We accept most government or US state issued identification cards except for Military IDs, passports (book), passport cards and enhanced driver's licenses. You must be 18 years of age to transact with ecoATM. 

No, we take all devices of all shapes, colors, sizes and working conditions at ecoATM. If the device has a cracked screen, water damage, is perfect, or no longer powers on we will give you a price quote. 

You must be 18 years old to sell a device to ecoATM, which is one of the reasons why we require a valid ID as part of the transaction process.

During the process of selling your phone to our kiosks, you can get your phone back at any time during our ecoAppraisal. You will know, without having to mail your device off, what your device is worth, and if you like the value presented you can accept it and walk away with instant cash!

If you are interested in becoming a buyer, please visit our Buyer Information page here. 

Our kiosks have very complex technology in them and like any machine they do run into issues which require fixing. If you encounter a kiosk that is out of service, or that goes out of service during your transaction, please contact Customer Service via email at ecosupport@ecoatm.com or call our nationwide support number at 858-255-4111. You can also visit the Contact Us page to give us feedback.

We are constantly expanding our network to service the most people we can, so please check back soon to see if there is one near you. You can also contact us and let us know if you would like a kiosk in your area.

The simple answer is, yes! ecoATM holds an array of benefits when it comes to conveniently and safely recycling or selling your used device:

• Convenience: We have over 6,000 kiosk locations across the United States. You can find ecoATM in your neighborhood malls, grocery stores and other retailers and also price your device ahead of time with our app.

• Advanced kiosk technology: Our kiosks have been engineered to provide a quick and efficient device inspection process. • Immediate payment: If you don’t have the patience to wait days to weeks for payment for your device, ecoATM is your best option. You can walk away with cash in just under ten minutes and earn up to a few hundred dollars for newer phone models!

• Sustainability: We pride ourselves on collecting devices to limit the amount of electronic waste that enters our natural environment. In fact, we’ve collected over 38 million to date!