Cell Phone Recycling

The average person replaces their cell phone every 18-24 months.  In the United Staes alone, it is thought that over 170 million cell phones are replaced each year.  Out of those 170 million phones, less than 20% are recycled or refurbished.  You may ask, "Why is this a problem?"

First, cell phones are produced by using toxins and harmful chemicals such as brominated flame retardants and heavy metals.  If these products enter our groundwater via the landfills, serious health effects can occur, including: reproductive and neurological disorders, liver and kidney disease.

Second, cell phones also contain precious metals, such as gold and silver.  Recovering these metals from recycled and refurbished phones will decrease the amount of mining necessary to obtain these valuable metals.

Third, in addition to the cell phones themselves, the batteries that run the cell hones contain nickel, cadmium or lithium.  All of these are toxic to the environment when sent to the landfill.  These toxins may leach into the soil and contaminate groundwater.  When incincerated, the heavy metals are released into the air.

So what can you do to help?

1. THINK before upgrading to that new cell phone.  Do you really need it?
2. Recycle your cell phone if you do upgrade.  Many cell phone companies are taking back old cell phones.  Talk with your cell phone company about their policy.  Many organizations, such as those that support victims of domestic violence, often will take your old cell phones.  Money received from these phones helps fund many life saving programs.
3. Unplug your cell phone charger when not in use.  This is a major cause of phantom energy drain.
4. Charge your cell phone during the day and only as long as it takes to charge your phone.
5. Go paperless to pay your bills.  Paper and the fossil fuels will be conserved.