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How to Recycle Cell Phones and Mobile Devices

University IT mobile device recycling program

University IT and Property Management Office wants to make sure that all unwanted cell phones, tablets, and data cards are securely wiped and recycled properly.  All personal and corporate information will be removed, even if the mobile device is broken or the screen is cracked.

*Note: Once a phone is dropped off or mailed in for recycling, it cannot be returned.

Recycling/re-purposing devices

Whether you are recycling an old device or keeping it to re-purpose, please make sure that the end user that it belonged to removes their Apple ID.  If the Apple ID is not removed, the device will be locked, and a remote wipe will not fix the problem.  If this is not done, it requires Apple, Stanford, and the carriers to get involved which can take up to 21 business days to resolve.

Note: For added security and privacy, you should erase your device yourself before it's recycled.

iPhone Users:

Please have the user follow the below steps to remove their Apple ID.

  1. Go to Settings.
  2. Scroll down to iCloud.
  3. Tap the Apple ID and tap Sign Out.
  4. The screen will prompt you for your email once more (Apple ID).
  5. The device is unlocked and can be activated by a new user or recycled.

Android Users:

Please have the user follow the steps below:

  1. Go to Settings and select General Management.
  2. Select Reset.
  3. Select Factory data reset.
  4. After confirming the Factory data reset details, tap Reset.
  5. Tap Delete all.

Drop Off

Contact your Department Property Administrator and they will take the device(s) to the Property Management Office to have it securely wiped and recycled.

If you have questions, contact Alex Perez at alex.perez@stanford.edu.

Stanford Healthcare mobile device recycling program

SHC: For SHC Mobile device recycling, please contact the SHC Service Desk at 650-723-3333 option 2 and request the agent to open an “Equipment Return Request” ticket. Field Services will pick up the equipment and wipe it clean for recycling.

Stanford Children's Hospital mobile device recycling program

Please send old equipment for data-wiping and e-recycling to:

Hazel Nordseth 
4100 Bohannon Drive 
MC5522, IS Telecom Department 
Menlo Park, CA 94025

 

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