You have at least one old phone in some drawer. Maybe two. That Samsung you replaced when the battery died. The iPhone with the cracked screen after a drop. The Huawei that stopped getting updates.
You didn't throw it away because you knew you shouldn't. You didn't sell it because you weren't sure how much to ask for. And there it sits, collecting dust.
In Panama there are millions of phones in that exact same situation. And there are concrete things you can do with them. Some will get you a few dollars. Others will give someone an opportunity.
1. Sell it — is it really worth it?
The first option everyone considers is selling. Platforms like MercadoLibre, Facebook Marketplace, or WhatsApp make it possible.
The reality: a phone that's 3-4 years old in good condition might get you $30 to $100. If it has a cracked screen or dead battery, probably less than $20. And the process of posting, negotiating, meeting the buyer, and hoping they don't send a fake transfer… doesn't always feel worth the time.
If your phone is in good shape and you have time for the sale process, it's a valid option. But if it's damaged or very old, keep reading.
2. Trade it in — what nobody tells you
Some carrier stores and electronics chains in Panama offer trade-in programs. You bring your old device and get a discount on a new one.
The catch: discounts are usually modest, and almost always tied to signing a postpaid plan or buying a high-priced device. If you were going to do that anyway, it might be an option, but you'll rarely get the true value of your device.
3. Donate it to Crezendo — give it a second life
If your phone is heavily damaged, very old, or you simply don't have time to sell it, the best option is to donate it. At Crezendo, we transform these devices into opportunities. We responsibly recycle components that are no longer useful and refurbish those that are, so they can be used in our training programs and to provide technological access.
By donating to Crezendo, you not only prevent your device from polluting, but you also directly contribute to empowering people through technology.
How to donate
From Panama: You can bring your device directly to any of our collection centers [visit crezendo.com/contact to see our locations and hours]. You can also coordinate a pickup for multiple devices or for businesses by contacting us directly.
From the United States: For donations from the United States, please visit our international donations page at [crezendo.com/donate] or contact us directly via [crezendo.com/contact] to receive detailed instructions on how to send your device to our reception center in the U.S. This way, we ensure your donation is processed directly by Crezendo and reaches those who need it most.
