How to Donate Cell Phones in Chicago

Donated cell phones help the needy and the environment in Chicago.

In cities all over the United State like Chicago, Illinois, donating cell phones to charity is one way to help society and the environment. A cell phone typically has a working life of only a few years and when its time is done, it is typically traded in for a newer model. Retired cell phones are then tucked away to litter kitchen junk drawers, and eventually they pile up in local landfills. In Chicago, there are many options when it comes to donating old phones. Donated cell phones in the Chicago area can benefit a number of worthwhile charities, including those that assist the elderly, disabled, needy children, veterans and others.

Instructions

1. Decide whether an old cell phone phone will be recycled or reassembled as a 911 emergency phone. These are the two most common fates for donated cell phones. Chicago charities benefit by receiving payment from companies who purchase the old phones for spare parts and recycling or conversion into 911 emergency phones to assist the elderly and others. If it does not make a difference how the phone is processed, then donate the phone to your charity of choice and let them decide what to do with the wireless device.

2. Choose the charity or organization that will receive the old cell phone. In Chicago, there are many local groups and charitable organizations that accept phones as donations. Donation stations can be found locally on street corners and in shopping centers. Contact the preferred local organization to obtain addresses for drop-off stations in the Chicago area. For instance, the American Red Cross and the 911 Cell Phone Bank have cell phone donation stations set up across the town.

3. Follow up on the details with the chosen charity before the phone is delivered. Each organization in Chicago is slightly different when it comes to phone donation details and requirements. For example, some Chicago organizations ask that the battery charger be donated with the cell phone, while others specifically do not want an charger included. Knowing ahead of time exactly what accessories, if any, must accompany an old phone will make sure the donation process is hassle-free for everyone involved.

References

• Recellular: Information on wireless recycling
• American Red Cross: Cell phone donation information
• 911 Cell Phone Bank: Cell phone donation information