Black Mountain volunteer firefighter David Billstrom hails the fire chief on a handheld radio. “401 from 494 on VHF,” Billstrom said into the radio. It clicks as he releases the push-to-talk button.

It can be hard to say goodbye to old devices when trade-in value is low. But recycling sales can earn you discounts on new tech. Bridget Carey is an award-winning reporter who helps you level-up your ...