Old Cell Phones Collecting Dust in My Dresser Drawer
Read more about: Recycling
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In the past four years I have accumulated two cell phones that take up space in my dresser drawer. I’ve been thinking about how I should dispose of them. They are still totally operational. So, I decided to do some research on the affects of old cell phones thrown in our landfill and also find the best way to recycle them. Recycling does two very important things, one is you are protecting the earth from toxins and the other is you are saving new metals from being mined to create new cell phones (or other electronic products).
One of the fastest growing problems in our nation’s waste stream is electronic discard. Cell phones, PDAs, pagers, digital cameras, TVs, computers, radios, and other electronics contain toxic materials. The materials can be lead, mercury, cadmium, lithium, arsenic, brominated flame retardants, phosphorous coatings, and/ or PVC plastics. These materials can create dioxins posing a threat to the environment and human health.
To help the environment and keep our landfills free from these toxic elements you can recycle or donate the products to various recycling programs. For example, you can donate your wireless electronics to non-profit charities across the USA like Recycling for Charities. Another option is to check with the manufacturer and see if they have a recycling program. In some cases your cell phone can be donated to a non-profit organization for people who can’t afford to buy a cell phone.
For more information about how to recycle your e-waste go to the following websites:
Environmental Protection Agency
Electronics Industry Alliance maintains a national list searchable by state.
International Association of Electronic Recyclers Directory of the Electronics Recycling Industry allows you to search for organizations that are involved in electronics recycling. Most of the database focuses on companies that provide recycling services for electronic products.
National Recycling Coalition (NRC) hosts the National Database of Electronics Recyclers, Reuse Organizations, and Municipal Programs
I know fo an organixation that collects old working cells phones and sends them to rangers in Africa. So you’re keeping it out of the landfill *and* you’re helping wildlife.
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