There comes a time when every GPS watch or activity tracker must be replaced. Maybe you’re currently in the market for a new one because it doesn’t hold a charge long enough or has finally broken down. After the excitement of taking a brand new watch from its packaging, you might turn to your old one and think, now what?
If your old watch is beyond repair, you now have some pesky electronic waste (e-waste) on your hands. According to the World Health Organization, e-waste is the fastest growing solid waste stream in the world, and the United Nations reports only 20 percent of that waste is recycled.
It can be confusing to understand what exactly you’re supposed to do with e-waste because it’s inconvenient to properly dispose of. So your watch (and other old electronics) languish in forgotten dresser drawers or in dark basements.
Recycling your old watch won’t be as easy as recycling a plastic bottle, but we’ve rounded up the disposal programs from several major watch companies to get you started. You’ll also find how to wipe your data from the watch before recycling it.
Switching watch brands? You can export your data, but you may find it easier to sync the brand’s app to your favorite activity-tracking app. Exporting your data can take up to 30 days for some brands, the file types and quantities could intimidate those who aren’t tech savvy, and importing the data can take hours.
Brands That Recycle Your Watch for You
Apple, Fitbit, Garmin, and Polar currently offer programs for recycling or that allow users to return their watches to them.
Apple
Apple's Reuse and Recycling Program offers trade in value from $70–$365 for your old Apple Watch. You can initiate the process online or visit an Apple Store to learn if your watch is eligible for credit. If it isn’t, Apple will recycle it for you for free.
See Apple’s instructions for how to reset and prepare your watch for recycling and trade in.
- Update your Apple Watch to the latest version of watch OS > unpair and erase your Apple Watch (when you unpair, your iPhone will create a backup) > remove the band from your Apple Watch (if included in the box, it will be recycled)
- You can export your health and fitness data from Apple's Health app.
- Tap your initials at the top right (or by tapping Summary or Browse at the bottom of the screen, then scroll to the top) > tap Export All Health Data
Fitbit
You can recycle your Fitbit through Google’s recycling program, which provides a free shipping label (for those in the U.S., for the rest of the world). Place your Fitbit in a sturdy box, attach the label, and follow the shipping directions or drop the package off at a nearby collection site.
Select your fitbit device for instructions on how to erase your data.
- To remove a device from your account, in the Fitbit app: tap Today tab > Devices > the image for the device you want removed > option to remove device (tap trash icon on Android phones) > follow on-screen instruction to remove from your account
- From Fitbit.com: settings icon on dashboard > click the image for the device you want removed > scroll to the bottom and click option to remove device > follow on-screen instructions to remove from your account
- Review these directions for exporting your Fitbit data. This can take a few days, depending on the size of your data.
- From fitbit.com dashboard: click gear icon > Settings > Data Export > under Export Your Account Archive, click Request Data > Fitbit will email asking to confirm request > Fitbit will then email a link to download account data
Garmin
Garmin's Consumer Product Recycling Program allows you to ship your watch back to them for recycling, but you have to cover the cost of shipping.
You can find your watch’s owner’s manual for instructions on how to wipe your data or perform a master reset.
- Power off the device > press and hold the two right keys > while holding the two right keys, press and release the power key to turn the device on > after the first beep, release the upper right key > after the second beep, release the bottom right key
- If you want to export your data, Garmin will send a link to download an export file, which takes 48 hours to 30 days.
- Log in to Garmin.com > Account > Manage Your Data > Export Your Data > Request Data Export
Polar
Polar offer steps for turning in your watch for repair, but if it’s recycling you’re after, customers are welcome to send any devices to Polar’s New York service center. Like Garmin, you will need to cover the cost of shipping, but you’ll also need to include a note that indicates it is to be recycled and not repaired. Polar works with a company that recycles their products. Mail to:
Polar Electro Inc.
ATTN: TSVC CSVC
15 Grumman Road West, Suite 700
Bethpage, NY 11714
- To wipe your data, plug your watch into your computer’s USB port > open the FlowSync software > click settings icon and FACTORY RESET (this will take a moment) > unplug the watch
- Review these directions for exporting your Polar Flow data.
- Log into account.polar.com > click Download Your Data on the left hand menu or scroll to the bottom of the page > click Download on the right to initiate the request > download the data within two weeks of receiving it in an email
Brands That Direct You to do the Recycling
We reached out to Coros and Suunto, who do not currently offer recycling programs. Instead, they instruct you to recycle your device in accordance with local e-waste regulations. But first, here’s how to erase and export your data.
Coros
Coros may periodically offer a trade-in program (like this one in 2021) and just completed a trade-in pilot program in the U.S., but you'll most likely need to recycle it. Either way, here’s how to reset your Coros watch.
- From the watch: System > More Settings > Reset > Reset All
- From the COROS app (when watch is connected): Profile page > tap the watch icon > scroll down and tap "Remove"
- If you would like to export your training data, Coros says to email support@coros.com. You will receive a .ZIP file including your training data.
- If you are switching to Coros from another brand, follow these instructions for importing your data. This could take a few hours to complete.
- Log in to coros.com > click on Activity List > click Import Data > Select File
Suunto
You can reset your Suunto following these instructions.
- For several watches (Suunto 5 Peak, 9 Peak, 9 Peak Pro and Suunto Vertical): Go to the watch’s Settings > select General and scroll to Reset settings > select Reset
- Chat with Suunto customer support Monday to Friday 4 a.m. to 4 p.m. EST (9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Central European Time) for a link to download your full history of activities in a .ZIP file.
Electronics Recycling
Your city will likely have resources for e-waste that can be found online by searching “what to do with my e-waste."
Possible options in your area include taking your watch to a landfill that accepts e-waste, hiring a company that offers pick up services (a good opportunity if you have larger e-waste you need to get rid of), or dropping off at a local university, as some provide community e-waste recycling.
While it’s inconvenient to recycle e-waste, it does keep harmful materials from being released into the environment and allows valuable ones to be reused. Your efforts will be appreciated by people and planet alike.
If Your Watch Is Still Working
Consider giving it to a friend or family member or donating it to an organization like Still I Run, which promotes the benefits of running for mental health. Their Starting Line Scholarship removes barriers to running by providing new runners the gear they need—your old watch could have a second life, getting someone else started on their running journey. Only send watches that can hold a charge for at least 24 hours and are free from scratches that prohibit someone from being able to view the screen. If your watch meets these requirements, you can mail your watch and its charger to:
PO Box 10
Hudsonville, MI 49426
You can also donate it to your local Goodwill. Just of course be sure to wipe your data or do a factory reset, using the directions above.
Chelsey Stone is a freelance writer living in San Diego. Biking is her main mode of transportation, but she also enjoys the occasional joyride along the ocean.
