Target to take electronics trade-ins

Have an old iPod you want to get rid of but not for free? An old cell phone?

Target soon will launch a project to offer store credit for those and other old electronics, ranging from a few dollars to $200, company officials say. The project will start in Northern California and expand to 850 of Target's 1,700 stores nationwide.

Recycling old electronics can be a challenge for consumers because most cities will not pick up items such as old televisions with the trash, and they only accept them at set collection points, primarily because electronics can contain high levels of lead.

Target made its trade-in announcement as part of a larger project to sell more cellular products through an in-store partnership with RadioShack. For the trade-in program, employees will examine the equipment's condition and give gift cards based on that and the age of the item.

The average older iPod or older mobile phone could be worth about $25 and a used video game about $7 - more for newer titles. Customers could receive $200 for electronics such as the latest models of the iPhone.

Target takes old video games, GPS systems and DVDs through a deal with NextWorth. Any customer can go online through target.com and submit an old electronics device for credit.

For instance, a fifth-generation 16-gigabyte iPod Nano has a trade-in value of $62 to $69, according to the company. A Garmin nüvi GPS has an offered price of $145, depending on model and condition.

Target's trade-in project tracks similar offers at other large retailers. Walmart takes in electronics through walmart.com and samsclub.com.

Office supply store Staples will accept all brands of office electronics for recycling for a $10 fee, whether or not they were bought at Staples. Some items, such as cell phones, don't require a fee.

Electronics giant BestBuy takes trade-ins on some products, will pick up an old TV free with a television purchase and for a fee will pick up other appliances at your home.