Want cash for that old cellphone? House passes bill that would allow return of recycling kiosks

Minnesotans hoping to recycle their old cellphones in kiosks could get cash for the transaction.

HF3225, as amended, would regulate electronic-recycling kiosks, like EcoATM, by requiring live representatives to monitor the kiosks, located in retail stores, and all transactions would be electronically reported to law enforcement. The intent, supporters said, is to balance a recycling program with “high standards” against not allowing people to make money on stolen phones or devices.

Passed 122-3 by the House Wednesday, it heads to the Senate where Sen. Andrew Mathews (R-Milaca) is the sponsor.

The kiosks used to be prevalent in Minnesota and companies would issue electronic or check payments, according to bill sponsor Rep. Kelly Fenton (R-Woodbury), before they were “forced out” under other regulations. The bill would allow “automated kiosks to reenter the market for cash payment,” she said.

Forty-seven other states allow these kiosks, Fenton said, and an estimated 400 million used cellphones are sitting in house drawers across the country. Four phones equal one pound of electronic waste, she said.