How to Recycle a Cell Phone

With ever changing technology and style trends, new cell phone models appear on the market almost daily. As a result, millions of cell phones are discarded every year, which leads to excessive electronic waste. Fortunately, this electronic waste can be reduced by recycling your cell phone.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Decide whether you want to donate your cell phone to charity or recycle it for money. Some companies collect and recycle used cell phones and distribute the proceeds to various charities. Other companies will pay you money for your used cell phone which they then recycle.
2. Research the recycling companies so you can choose the one that best suits your objective, whether it's for charity or profit. Companies such as, Motorola, Sprint, T-Mobile and dozens of others have partnered with charities to collect cell phones.
3. Disconnect your cell phone service before getting rid of your phone. Also, be sure to delete all of your personal information from the phone and remove the SIM card if your cell phone has one.
4. Follow the instructions provided by the recycling company you have chosen for how to deliver the phone. Most companies require you mail the cell phone but others will provide drop off locations.

Tips & Warnings

• Not all cell phones have SIM cards. If you are not sure whether or not your unit features the card, check with your wireless service provider and if so, ask them how to remove it. These cards can sometimes contain personal information so it's important it be removed before recycling.
• If you want to help raise money for your favorite charity and promote environmental responsibility you may want to start your own cell phone collection program. Many recycling companies have these types of programs for people to implement in their own communities.
• Be sure your cell phone works, only working cell phones are recyclable.

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