What do you do with iPhones found in the water

[glory-days]

I have found many phones in the ocean, over the years. They don't turn on and don't take a charge. I met a detectorist the other day that told me he sells his on eBay and that people buy them for spare parts, etc.. Does anyone else sell their phones that they find? My local AT&T store told me they would not be able to find the owners. In the past I have taken them to an Apple Store and they recycled them.
Thank you in advance.

 

[Chroma]

I found an iPhone 5S on land a month or two ago, not waterproof so the rain killed it, and I haven't done anything with it yet. If it is a newer iphone, made in the past few years, the best option seems to be selling for spare parts on eBay. From looking at sold listings, newer iPhones (11, 12) that are water damaged and non-working sell for for anywhere from $50-$150+ for parts.

Older phones, like the 5S I found (almost 10 years old at this point), don't seem to have any value, not even spare parts value. So the best bet, like you mentioned, is not to throw it away but take or it to Apple or another electronics store (Staples, Best Buy, etc.) for recycling.

 

[aeds151]

It will just end up back in the water. You just have to decide, North America or an E-Dump in Africa somewhere


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[KOB]

The last few years I have been making $500+ a year taking them to ECO-ATM. Google it up...

 

[glory-days]

Thank you, I will check it out.

 

[14kgold]

Found an Apple 13 Pro last week in the wet sand. Put in a box of rice to dry it out. It took a charge and fired up! Phone was locked but in really nice condition, no scratches etc. Listed it on eBay for Parts Only phone locked. Had numerous bids, it sold for $370.00. Beats any of the gold I haven't been finding lately