Cell Phone Recycling

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Cell phones have changed the way the world communicates. They have become such an essential item that in the developed world it’s difficult to find people who don’t own one. Ever-advancing technology has meant that the cell phone has developed from its origin as a bulky phone that looked and felt like a brick, to the modern sleek and almost weightless phone. As a result of this people are upgrading cell phones at a rapid rate. Have you ever stopped to think about what actually happens to your old discarded cell phone?

When you discard your cell phones in the bin they end up in landfills where they are an environmental hazard. Cell phone components contain hazardous materials such as mercury, lead, cadmium and arsenic that can contaminate the soil and groundwater. Electronic waste is becoming a serious problem. You can do your bit to help the environment by recycling your cell phone.

The “how to” of cell phone recycling

Before recycling your cell phone terminate your service with your provider. Make sure you clear the memory so that there is no confidential information on your cell phone.

Cell phone manufacturers, including Nokia and Motorola, as well as cell phone retailers, offer cell phone recycling programmes. Even communities are getting involved by starting cell phone recycling drives. To find out the where your nearest cell phone recycling collection point is phone your cell phone manufacturer or service provider. Companies that recycle phones usually have drop-off points or mail-in options. Once collected the cell phones are either reused or recycled.

Reuse

If they’re in good working order cell phones are donated to those in developing countries, or to poor local communities. Some collection projects resell the phones and donate the money collected to food programs, wildlife preservation projects and other charities.

Recycle

Cell phones that are not working are disassembled. All plastic parts are recycled and used to manufacture other plastic products. Metals that can be reused are transported to developing countries, where the recycled material is used to make a variety of metal products. The components that can’t be reused are smelted, refined and disposed of according to environmental regulations.

Cell phone recycling companies accept all makes of phone so when choosing which company to use find out which charities they support and how they are recycling cell phones.

Why cell phone recycling is a good idea

Cell phone recycling prevents contamination of ground water and soil from toxic chemicals in batteries and other cell phone components
Cell phone recycling helps manage waste and means that less space is used at landfills
Cell phone recycling means that plastic parts can be recycled and used in other products
Cell phone recycling prevents further consumption of non-renewable resources
Cell phone recycling can help people developing countries by providing a means of communication
Cell phone recycling sets a good example for those around you on how you can do your bit to help the environment

Useful contacts

recycling
Australian Mobile Telecommunications Association
http://www.amta.org.au/

Mobile Muster (Australia)
http://www.mobilemuster.com.au/?Page=691

Collective Good (USA and Canada)
http://www.collectivegood.com/index.asp

Wireless recycling (USA and Canada)
http://wirelessrecycling.com/home/index.html

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