How to Recycle Old Cell Phones for Other Uses

Cell phones create large amounts of electronic waste.

Cell phones are constantly being updated and improved. Many people get a new phone at least once a year as new options are always offered. These phones create a large source of electronic waste that often ends up in a landfill. Batteries can leak and toxins from electronic devices may create environmental problems. A number of options are available to recycle your old phones. You can choose how you would like your cell phone to be reused and dispose of it accordingly.

Instructions

1. Prepare the phone to be recycled by deleting all personal information, removing any data cards and terminating or transferring the service to another phone.

2. Donate your phone to charity. Old cell phones can be reprogrammed and used for women's shelters or given to soldiers as a way to contact family.

3. Return your phone to the carrier or manufacturer to be refurbished. These companies can use parts of the phone in making new models, or may re-sell the phone at a lower cost to another user.

4. Turn it into an electronics recycling program. These programs break down electronics into their components, which may be reused in other electronic devices.

Tips & Warnings

• You can start a recycling program at work. Collect co-workers old cell phones and donate them all at one time.

References

• Practical Environmentalist: How to Recycle Old Cell Phones: The Ultimate Guide