What should I do w/ my iCloud locked iPad?

I have an old iPad that has an activation lock and I can't reset the password because the email no longer EXISTS. I used to have a lovely hacker/cyberstalker so I was changing passwords and being locked out of accounts so often that I would often forget passwords as well, whether it was my ex or myself. The iPad is all on me though and it's very bizarre because even when I CREATED the same email again, realizing it was actually available, I was excited, thinking it would work - it will not work. I am such an idiot when it comes to this, I have SEVERAL devices that have an OS lock problem. An iPad and 3 Androids...you'd think they're stolen - they're not, I'm just an idiot. Anyway, my question is: how do I get rid of the devices cluttering up my life? Will they actually sell "for parts," and if so is there a danger of my info being exposed if they can outsmart me and get in my phone? Or should I just recycle it by using each company's respective recycling policy, and should I not worry that they can get back in to my phone? I may sound paranoid, but I feel a little insecure turning in a phone that doesn't have my info wiped, and I'm not convinced that the companies couldn't get back in them. Especially the Androids that are in perfect condition. Thanks,

J