If companies like gazelle.com and EcoATM were required to solicit the IMEI number or some similiar identifier from an electronic device, it would be harder for thieves to profit from stolen electronics like cellphones and tablets.
In this solution, a locked screen would prevent a thief from obtaining the unique identifier required to cash in on the stolen device, and stolen devices would be able to be returned to their rightful owners.
Cash paid out on the spot from kiosks would become a liability for the company providing the kiosk and not for the person who rightfully owns the device.