On Friday, Verizon Wireless announced that its cell phone trade-in program, which originally launched last September, will now accept tablets. The Verizon Wireless Trade-In Program was created to provide customers with a Verizon Wireless gift card worth up to $300 for their gear. It bases the value of a product off of a number of things, including whether it will power up or not, if the display works or not, and whether or not the display is cracked. We tested the value of a 16GB Apple iPad Wi-Fi + 3G that powers on and has a working display without cracks. Verizon Wireless appraised that device at $185. We’d probably be better off selling it on eBay. Hit the jump for the full release.

GO GREEN THIS EARTH DAY WITH VERIZON WIRELESS’ TRADE-IN PROGRAM

Wireless Users Can Now Recycle and Get Value From Their No-Longer-Used Tablets

BASKING RIDGE, N.J. – Offering wireless users more options to get value from their no-longer-used devices and help the environment at the same time, Verizon Wireless today announced that the Verizon Wireless Trade-In Program, initially launched in September 2010 for cell phones, will now accept tablets.

“Whether you’re a mobile user looking to move to the nation’s most reliable network or a customer looking to trade up to a new tablet, our Trade-In Program provides options that people can feel good about,” said Greg Haller, vice president of consumer solutions for Verizon Wireless.  “Adding tablets to our lineup of eligible trade-in devices along with wireless phones, gives users another option to recycle old devices and get value.”

Through the Trade-In Program, wireless users can easily determine if their device has value and if so, receive a Verizon Wireless gift card for trading it in.  For example, a wireless user could trade in a tablet today in good condition and receive a Verizon Wireless gift card worth up to $300.  Consumers can check tablets accepted and current trade values any time by visiting the Trade-In Program website at www.trade-in.vzw.com.   Verizon Wireless gift cards can be used online at www.verizonwireless.com, in Verizon Wireless Communications Stores or to pay a Verizon Wireless bill.  The Verizon Wireless Trade-In Program accepts wireless phones and now tablets from most major manufacturers and wireless carriers.  For additional information, visit www.trade-in.vzw.com or call the Trade-In Support Center at 1-866-870-5446.

Customers looking for another option to recycle wireless devices can also take advantage of HopeLine® from Verizon, a program that collects devices and accessories to help victims of domestic violence.  For more information on HopeLine from Verizon, visit www.verizonwireless.com/hopeline or go to www.youtube.com/watch?v=CnkDUsmkQlk to learn more about HopeLine’s recycling efforts.
To learn more about other green initiatives by Verizon Wireless, visit http://aboutus.vzw.com/Green_Initiative/overview.html.

About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless operates the nation’s fastest and most advanced 4G network and largest and most reliable 3G network, and serves more than 94 million customers. Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with 82,000 employees nationwide, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE, NASDAQ: VZ) and Vodafone (LSE, NASDAQ: VOD).  For more information, visit www.verizonwireless.com. To preview and request broadcast-quality video footage and high-resolution stills of Verizon Wireless operations, log on to the Verizon Wireless Multimedia Library at www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia.

Back in June we told you about the updated electronics recycling program Best Buy was piloting (above and beyond their efforts already in place) and we’re happy to see other big retailers jumping on board with programs of their own. RadioShack is jazzing things up a bit with it’s electronics recycling program and offering up cash for your unused gear. Well, not really cash, but you’ll get a gift card good at any Shack which is still pretty cool. The process is easy – hit the site, appraise your unused electronics online and as long as your appraisal is realistic (don’t try to pass off your smashed BlackBerry as brand new) you’ll know exactly how much you’re in store for. The prices aren’t half bad either and some are even more than what you might get from eBay. $255 for a Nokia N95 8GB, $62 for a Samsung Blackjack, $42 for a 3rd generation iPod classic, $300 or more for a used laptop… They’ll even take that old Vertu Ascent off your hands for an even $510. Ok well that last one’s probably not such a good deal, but it’s definitely worth browsing through the site to see if RadioShack might be able to lighten the financial burden that this holiday season will undoubtedly be.

[Via SlipperyBrick]

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Kudos, Best Buy. The national electronics retail giant announced a new recycling initiative launched yesterday that is being piloted in 117 stores across Baltimore, San Francisco, and Minnesota. This new program by the way, is above and beyond the already available recycling services already offered at all Best Buy locations. We know all you BGR readers go through gear like it’s going out of style; are you disposing of your un-eBayables responsibly? Readers in the markets mentioned above can bring their dust catchers and doorstops down to the local Best Buy and feel good knowing that they’re helping the environment. Examples of items that will be accepted: televisions and monitors up to 32″, computers, phones, cameras, and other electronics devices and peripherals. Examples of items that will not be accepted: Televisions or monitor screens greater than 32″, console televisions, air conditioners, microwaves and appliances. Don’t panic if you’re not covered in one of those three citys though. As we mentioned above, Best Buy already has some programs in place that are carried out by each and every one of their US stores. Details from the press release:

• Recycling kiosks: at the front of every store, ink cartridges, rechargeable batteries, cell phones, CDs, DVDs, and PDA/smart phones can be dropped off for free recycling
• Appliance and television haul-away: Best Buy will remove an old or obsolete appliance or television free of charge from a consumers’ home when a new product is purchased and delivered by Best Buy Home Delivery or Geek Squad Home Theater Installation Service.
• Appliance and television pick-up: For $100, Best Buy will arrange a home visit to remove up to two (2) appliance units and/or televisions for recycling, with $20 for each additional unit.
• Tech Trade-In: Visit www.bestbuytradein.com to trade in select gently used electronics for a Best Buy gift card.

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