As Apple get ready to release the highly touted iPhone 4G, it won't be long before an excess of 3G mobiles will be collecting dust across the UK.

Little do these techies realise that they can make up to £275 for their old iPhones, and for that matter any other phone that they may not be getting much use from anymore. There are a number of sites in the UK that compare mobile phone recycling quotes - as well as quotes for recycling other personal electronic items such as mp3 players. These sites allow users to choose from a list of several recyclers, who all pay out cash for every unwanted handset.

Among mobile phone recycling sites undoubtedly the highest handsets in demand are Apple's iPhones, especially the 3GS 16gb, but also other 3G models such as the HTC Touch - whether working or not.. Even the iPad, only recently launched, is worth almost as much recycled as it is brand new.

When recycling a mobile phone, in addition to helping the environment, users want to be able to see how much money they can get in return for their efforts.  On some sites, you’ll see a chart that breaks down all the key information customers need to make the right decision about how and with who to recycle their mobiles, from merchants’ payment methods to customer service ratings.

And because it’s important to dispose of unused phones properly, it is important to recycle old mobile phones and new ones, even outdated models of brands like old Nokia, Samsung, Motorola and LG handsets that weigh a ton, fill up the drawers, and that may not be worth a pound anymore.

Recycling helps to alleviate the toxins old electronics release into the environment, and many of the sites that participate in this plan will also refurbish old phones for underdeveloped countries or charities across the country.