How to Get Rid of old Cell Phones

You'd be hard-pressed to take a stroll through any public place without seeing someone talking on a cell phone. Cell phones are no longer an accessory for the rich and famous. Their popularity has increased so much that many people use their cell phone as their primary phone, forgoing land-line service all together. Cell phone providers give phones away at every turn and they offer replacement phones with the latest technology installed at prices that consumers just can't resist. Because of their popularity (with no slowdowns in sight) the problem of responsibly disposing of cell phones is worth examining. If you'd like some environmentally friendly solutions to help you get rid of old cell phones you need look no further.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Donate old cell phones to soldiers. Websites such as Cell Phones for Soldiers make a great choice to help you get rid of old cell phones. Organizers are able to sell the old phones to a company that refurbishes them and in turn organizers are able to convert the used phones into calling cards for soldiers. The soldiers use the calling cards to call their loved ones.

2. Give old cell phones to a local school. Schools sometimes participate in a program that is very similar to the donation of old cell phones to organizations that support the military. Teachers help families get rid of their old cell phones by holding cell phone collection drives and then turn the collected phones in to a company that buys them. The school can then use the money to purchase needed books and supplies.

3. Offer old cell phones to a local women's shelter. Shelters can use old cell phones to provide an extra line of security for women who are relying on the shelter's help to escape an abusive relationship. The shelter can install a new cell service on your old cell phones and provide the phones to the women and children they help.

4. Include your old cell phones in your next donation to Goodwill. Old cell phones in working condition can be resold to someone who needs a phone but can't afford the full price. Donations to Goodwill help support the workers the Goodwill Industries employ.

5. Throw your old cell phones in with the stockpile of other things you've been collecting for your next garage sale. You never know which of your castoffs will be a treasure to someone else.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't forget to include all of the chargers and accessories with the cell phones when you get rid of them.