Old iPhone 3GS Want to Recycle, But is Totally Dead and Have Not Signed Out of iCloud

I have an old iPhone 3GS, that I would like to recycle, but I am afraid some of my info is still on it. The battery is completely dead, and is bulging on the sides of the phone.


I never got a chance to sign out of it in iCloud. I have not used it in over a decade. I spoke to my carrier about it, and it is not connected to their network any more.


I tried looking up replacing the battery, but it looks difficult and complicated, and I do not have time for that. I aslo looked into to sending it in for a battery replacement, but it is expensive, and not sure of it is worth it to just be able to sign out of it.

Earlier iPhone models

Posted on Apr 10, 2023 3:41 PM

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5 replies

Apr 11, 2023 11:36 PM in response to Dallen_Frutchey

Ok, thank you, I just read this;

Devices that contain batteries should be packed in compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and industry best practices, which typically include the guidelines below:

  • Discharge the unit to less than 30%.
  • Do not ship electronics that are disassembled into parts.
  • Do not ship electronics with swollen or damaged batteries.
  • For whole units, surround the product with at least 2.5 inches of suitable filler material, such as recycled or reused packaging, before placing inside a corrugated box.
  • Ship only one device per box.


It looks like I will not be able to ship this after all, they will not take a phone with swollen batteries.

Apr 11, 2023 4:28 PM in response to Dallen_Frutchey

Thanks for that info, but all there is info on is trading in newer iPhones, there is nothing about how I can send my old phone in for recycling.


I have tried calling customer support, but all I get is automated menus to set up a repair.


I found a place online where apple lets you set up a recycle, but among the devices to choose, there was no iPhone option, only an iPod, so I chose that.


What am I supposed to do with an old iPhone with a dead bulging battery?

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Old iPhone 3GS Want to Recycle, But is Totally Dead and Have Not Signed Out of iCloud

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