Whether for economic reasons or environmental, device manufacturers and retailers seem to be offering more programs for cashing in on old gadgets. The sale cycle for a new smartphone has quickened with the pace of new releases from handset makers, incentivizing buyers to purchase new gadgets even before their contracts are up.

If you’re in the market for a new smartphone or computer, it’s worthwhile to sell your old device. Here’s a rundown of the buyback and recycling programs from top manufacturers and retailers, to help you save money and planet earth.

Top buyback and recycling programs for your old tech

• Apple

If you’re a fanboy who wants to upgrade your old Mac, iPhone, iPad or iPod, Apple offers a buy-back and recycling program.  You can either ship your old Apple device or head to an Apple Store where your device will be appraised.  If it retains monetary value, the credit will be applied to an Apple Gift Card. If you’re looking to replace an old iPod, just bring your old mp3 player and you’ll automatically get 10 percent off of the new iPod.  If your device no longer has value, Apple will recycle it on your behalf at no cost.

If you want to check if your iDevice still has value, click here.

• Hewlett-Packard

HP’s buyback and recycling program can be accomplished in four easy steps: get a quote for your device, decide if you want to sell or recycle, ship it, and get paid.

If you’re not sure whether your device has any value, click here.  You can choose what kind of device you have and enter some information about the device, including its current condition.  You will then be given a quote on the value of your device.  If you decide to sell, the next step in this process provides shipping and payment options. You can also choose to recycle your device, trade-in for a new one by adding cash, or have it destroyed.

Companies can also participate in this program, and even contribute to charitable causes with HP’s donation program.  Instead of the old IT equipments being recycled or destroyed, you can donate your unneeded equipment in exchange for a tax receipt.

Learn more about HP’s programs here.

• Acer

Acer’s recycling program varies by state.  Some Acer stores offer in-store recycling, though most utilize Best Buy’s recycling program. In some states, you need to mail your old Acer device to be recycled.  The company no longer offers a buy-back or trade-in program, so if you just want to throw your old Acer away, do it responsibly and head onto Best Buy or the nearest Acer store near you.

• Dell

Dell is on a mission to rid the world of e-waste and is doing so with various recycling programs for the enterprise, consumers, and donations.  Dell has partnered with many in the industry for its Take Back program such as Goodwill, FedEx and the National Cristina Foundation.

Dell Reconnect is part of Dell’s Global TakeBack program that allows anyone to donate old computers of any brand, in any condition, to any of 2,000+ Goodwill participating branches in North America. By donating your computer to Goodwill, your equipment is refurbished or recycled responsibly.  Computers in working condition are refurbished which creates green jobs, and then sold at an affordable price.

Dell’s partnership with FedEx allows anyone in the US mail-back their old Dell-branded devices for free.  To participate, is erase all your data from the harddrive, get the  unique identification number of your device, complete the Online Waybill form, print your pre-paid shipping label, pack your old Dell, and drop it off at your local FedEx branch.

And as for its partnership with the National Cristina Foundation, this program helps you find local non-government organizations where you can drop off your old computer, software or peripherals so they can find a new home.  These second-hand electronics will be given to people with disabilities, students at risk and economically disadvantaged persons.

• Other buy-back programs

Last year ahead of Apple’s iPhone 5S launch, we featured some stores that offers cash for your old iPhones such as Gazelle, Best Buy, and Walmart.  Good news is, the offer is also valid for other brands of phones or tablets.  You can go to their buy-back or trade-in pages to check how much cash you can get back for your old electronics.  If you’re satisfied with the offer, proceed with the trade-in. Otherwise, you can still have your devices recycled responsibly.

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