Official Electronic Device Return & Recycling Program · New York State Residents Only

Free Device Recycling for Qualifying NY Devices

T-Mobile offers a free mail-in recycling option for qualifying electronics, as part of New York State's electronic recycling program. This program is administered by ReturnDevices.com.

📦 Free Label for Qualifying Devices
♻️ Zero Landfill Policy
📍 Drop-Off Locations Available
1
Check
Device
2
Proof &
Shipping
3
Pack &
Ship
About This Program

T-Mobile participates in New York State's mandatory electronic equipment recycling program. As a manufacturer and seller of covered electronics in New York, T-Mobile is required by state law to maintain a free, statewide acceptance program for qualifying used electronics.

ReturnDevices.com is the authorized third-party administrator managing this program on T-Mobile's behalf. We coordinate collection, transport, and certified recycling or reuse of all returned devices in full compliance with New York State law.

This program is available at no cost to New York State residents, small businesses (under 50 employees), schools, nonprofits, and government entities. All returned devices are recycled or refurbished — none are sent to landfills, which is prohibited under state law.

Shipping limit: In accordance with the “reasonable and convenient” collection standard set under the New York State Electronic Equipment Recycling and Reuse Act, this mail-back program accepts single packages up to 50 lbs, consistent with standard parcel carrier limits (USPS max 70 lbs, UPS max 150 lbs). Heavier items should be split across multiple shipments or dropped off at a certified e-waste collection site.

Questions? Email info@returndevices.com — we respond Monday–Friday during business hours.

✅ Certified Recycler
R2
R2v3 Certified
ISO 45001
ISO 9001
ISO 14001:2015
Certifications shown above are held by our downstream certified recycling partner, who processes all devices collected through this program. ReturnDevices.com does not directly hold these certifications.
Step 1 — Confirm Your Device Qualifies
⚠️ IMPORTANT — Damaged or Swollen Batteries Cannot Be Shipped
Devices with cracked, swollen, leaking, or damaged batteries cannot be shipped by mail under federal carrier regulations. This includes any device that is hot to the touch, bulging, or has a visibly damaged battery.

If your device has a damaged battery, it must be dropped off in person at a certified e-waste collection site near you.
📍 Find a NY State Certified E-Waste Drop-Off Location →
✅ What Devices Can I Send In?

📱 T-Mobile Branded Devices

Send in any T-Mobile tablet or smartwatch — as many as you want, anytime.

  • T-Mobile branded tablets
  • T-Mobile branded smartwatches (including SyncUp Kids Watch)

💻 Other Electronics (Any Brand)

These items are also accepted under New York State law:

  • Desktop
  • All-in-one
  • Laptop
  • Mini
  • Notebook
  • Workstation
  • E-reader
  • Tablets
  • Thin client
  • Smart Display, Smart watch
  • Virtual reality headsets (with processor)
  • Interactive flat panel displays (with processor)

*including any cable, cord, or wiring accompanying the covered electronic equipment.

Note: Non-T-Mobile devices are accepted one-for-one with a new T-Mobile device purchase in the same category.

Not sure if your device qualifies? Email info@returndevices.com — we'll confirm within 1–2 business days.
Takes about 2 minutes · Free shipping label emailed within 2 business days
Step 2 — Request Your Shipping Label
🔒 Complete Step 1 above to unlock this step.

Fill out your shipping information

SHIPPING INFO
Fill Out Your Shipping Information
You're all set. Fill out your shipping info below and we'll email your prepaid label within 2 business days, Monday–Friday.
🔒 Before you ship, remove your personal data. A factory reset is required for any device with internal storage.
Estimated Shipping Weight
Estimate used to generate your prepaid label — no scale needed
🎁
You unlocked a $10 Amazon Gift Card!

Pack It Yourself & Get Rewarded

Use any sturdy box — an Amazon delivery box, a shoe box, anything that fits. We'll email you an Amazon $10 gift card once we receive and verify your device.

Labels are emailed within 2 business days, Monday–Friday. New York State residents only. Qualifying devices only.

Information Sent!

Await your email — your free prepaid shipping label
will be on its way to you shortly.

Please check your inbox (and spam folder just in case).
Labels are typically sent within 2 business days, Monday–Friday.

Questions? Email us at info@returndevices.com

Step 3 — Pack & Drop Off

Pack Your Device & Drop It Off

Once you receive your label from us, follow the instructions below to pack and ship your device.

📧 Watch for an email from us with your prepaid shipping label — it will arrive within 2 business days, Monday–Friday. Once you have it, follow the steps below.
Your device will be responsibly recycled or refurbished in accordance with New York State law — never sent to a landfill.
⚠️ 50 lb per-package limit. Under the “reasonable and convenient” collection standard of the New York State Electronic Equipment Recycling and Reuse Act, this mail-back program accepts single packages up to 50 lbs. For heavier items, split your shipment, use a certified NY drop-off site, or email info@returndevices.com.
📍 Prefer to drop off in person?
New York State maintains an official list of certified e-waste sites across all counties.
📍 Find a Drop-Off Site → 📄 Full Statewide List (PDF) →

Tip: Call ahead — some sites limit access to local residents or specific device types.

Frequently Asked Questions
What devices does this program accept?

T-Mobile Branded Devices: All T-Mobile branded tablets and smartwatches are accepted in any quantity at any time.

Non-T-Mobile devices are accepted in the following New York covered electronic equipment categories:

Is this program really free?

Yes — free for qualifying devices and eligible NY residents. New York State law requires T-Mobile to accept qualifying electronics at no cost. A prepaid shipping label, box if needed, and protective packing are all provided at no charge.

What if I don't have a box?

No problem. If you need a box, we will send you a complete return kit that includes everything you need to safely ship your device — a properly sized box, bubble wrap, packing material, and tape. Just select “I need you to send me a box” in the form and provide your device details so we can send the right size kit.

If you choose to supply your own box and packaging, you earn a $10 Amazon gift card once we receive and verify your device. Please note: the $10 Amazon gift card is available only when you provide your own packaging. Shipments where we supply the return kit are not eligible for the gift card.

How do I pack my device for shipping?

Factory reset your device, remove your SIM card, wrap it in 2–3 layers of bubble wrap, place it in a sturdy box with padding on all sides, seal every seam with packing tape, and write "FRAGILE — ELECTRONICS" on the outside.

When do I get my $10 gift card?

Your $10 Amazon gift card is emailed within 2 business days of us receiving and verifying your device. We wait until the device arrives so we can confirm it's safely inside the box.

How do I remove my personal data before sending?

We strongly recommend a factory reset before shipping any device with internal memory. For devices with hard drives, a full wipe or drive removal is recommended. Not sure how? Email us and we'll help.

Can I return more than one device?

Yes. T-Mobile branded devices may be returned in any quantity. For non-T-Mobile devices, one qualifying device per new T-Mobile purchase. Note multiple devices in the form's notes field.

What about large or heavy items?

Our mail-back program accepts single packages up to 50 lbs, which is consistent with the “reasonable and convenient” collection standard set under the New York State Electronic Equipment Recycling and Reuse Act and standard parcel carrier limits (USPS max 70 lbs, UPS max 150 lbs).

For heavier items, you have three options: (1) split the items across multiple shipments, (2) drop them off at a certified NY e-waste collection site, or (3) email info@returndevices.com and we'll see what we can arrange.

Who is ReturnDevices.com?

ReturnDevices.com is an authorized third-party program administrator managing this recycling return program on behalf of T-Mobile, handling label generation, logistics, and certified recycling coordination in full compliance with New York State law.

Questions or unsure if your device qualifies?
Email us at info@returndevices.com
We respond within 1–2 business days, Monday–Friday.
New York State residents only. Qualifying devices only.
Your Privacy (click to expand)

We do not sell your information — never have and never will.

What we collect: Your name, email, mailing address, and the device information you provide. That's it. We do not ask for your Social Security number, date of birth, payment information, or any other sensitive data.

Why we collect it: Only to generate your prepaid shipping label, mail your return kit (if requested), confirm receipt of your device, and send your $10 Amazon gift card if you qualify.

Who sees it: Only ReturnDevices.com staff handling your return and the shipping carrier (for label creation). We do not sell, rent, share, or trade your information with marketers or third parties.

How long we keep it: Submission records are retained for 3 years for program reporting and audit purposes, then permanently deleted.

How it's protected: Your information is stored on secure encrypted servers (AWS) and is handled in accordance with the New York SHIELD Act (General Business Law § 899-bb), which requires reasonable safeguards for the personal information of New York residents.

Your rights: You may request a copy of your submission record, ask us to correct it, or request deletion at any time. Email info@returndevices.com with "Privacy Request" in the subject line. We respond within 5 business days.

Security incident notification: In the unlikely event of a data breach affecting your personal information, you will be notified in accordance with NY SHIELD Act requirements.