What to do with an old key fob depends on the kind. A working car fob can be sold or kept as a spare, a building or work fob should be returned so it gets deactivated, and a dead fob should be recycled because it holds a battery and a small circuit board. Either way, do not just toss a fob in the trash.
Key fobs pile up after you sell a car, move, or change jobs. Here is how to handle each type the right way.
Old Car Key Fobs
A car fob has more value than you might think.
- Sell extra OEM fobs. A genuine working fob for a common car can sell for good money to owners who need a spare, since dealers charge a lot for new ones. List the make, model, and year.
- Pass them with the car. If you sold or traded the car, give all the fobs to the new owner or dealer.
- Wipe rental or lease fobs. Return any fob that belongs to a leased or rented vehicle.
Building, Work, and Hotel Fobs
Fobs for an apartment, gym, office, or hotel are usually programmed to a system you do not control. Return them to the front desk, landlord, or employer so they can deactivate them. That protects the building’s security and gets your deposit back when one is owed. For the plastic card version, see our old hotel key cards guide.
Recycle a Dead Fob
A fob that no longer works is electronic waste. It has a small battery and circuit board inside, so recycle it at a Best Buy kiosk or a city e-waste event rather than trashing it. If you only need to swap the battery, that is a cheap fix that can bring a “dead” fob back to life before you give up on it. This is the same idea as recycling old electronics cables.
Repurpose or Toss the Extras
Plain, non-electronic fobs and keychains can be reused to organize old keys, label luggage, or go in a craft bin. Only a truly dead, battery-free plastic fob should end up in the trash, and only after you have ruled out recycling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are old key fobs worth anything?
Working car fobs can be. A genuine OEM fob for a common vehicle sells well to owners who need a spare, since dealer replacements are pricey.
Can you recycle key fobs?
Yes. A fob has a battery and circuit board, so recycle it as e-waste at Best Buy or a local event instead of the trash.
What do I do with an apartment or work fob?
Return it to the landlord, front desk, or employer so they can deactivate it. That keeps the building secure and helps you get any deposit back.
How do I dispose of a key fob battery?
Pop out the coin battery and drop it in a battery recycling box, found at many hardware and electronics stores. Recycle the fob shell as e-waste.
My car fob stopped working. Is it dead?
Maybe not. Try a fresh coin battery first, since that fixes many “dead” fobs for just a dollar or two.