how should i prepare my phone before i recycle it?

Make sure your phone is de-activated.  All personal information is removed from refurbished phones; however, any sensitive information should be removed prior to donating your cell phone.  This is easy and quick. 

Find out how to remove information from your specific phone model by visiting www.recellular.com or www.recellular.com/recycling/data_eraser/default.asp.