Five Reasons to Recycle Cellphones
It seems as if a new style of cellphone -- with added features and better reception -- is being introduced onto the market at a rapid pace, leaving you to wonder what should be done with your old phone. Instead of simply throwing it away, recycle it. Recycling a cellphone has numerous benefits to our environment, as well as to yourself.
Other People Are Reading
-
Environment
-
One of the best reasons to recycle your old cellphone is to prevent the toxins from within from leaking out. Cellphones contain mercury, cadmium, arsenic and lead, materials that can have a negative affect on humans. These materials -- once dumped into a landfill -- can seep into the ground and/or our water supply. Lead and cadmium can cause lung and liver cancer. Instead of throwing your old cellphone away, find a recycling center that can reuse these parts and keep them out of landfills.
Another User
-
If you have purchased a new cellphone -- or simply no longer want a cellphone -- find a friend or family member who could benefit from one and let them have it. Even if you are locked into a contract, you can transfer that contract to another person as long as he has good credit and the mobile carrier agrees to the transfer. This will also save you from early termination fees.
-
Parts
-
If your cellphone has been damaged beyond repair for any reason -- such as extreme liquid damage or perhaps it got smashed -- do not assume there is no longer a use for it. Damaged cellphones may still contain working parts. The metals and materials that construct a cellphone can be broken down. These materials and metals can then be used to make new cellphones, eliminating the need to find new materials.
Cost
-
When you recycle a cellphone, there is a chance it will be refurbished and resold, depending on the condition it is in. This is especially true for cellphones that still work fine, but may no longer represent the latest model. If perfectly good cellphones are being recycled and placed back on the market, production costs go down. If production costs go down, the price for a cellphone goes down. In short, recycling will help keep cellphones as affordable as possible.
Cash in Pocket
-
Recycling your cellphone is not only easy, it's also free to do as of 2011. You can visit many websites to recycle your cellphone, including Greenpowersaverstore.com. Once you visit a site, you can print up a free postage-paid label, saving you money on postage. Your cellphone will be delivered to an authorized recycling center. If your cellphone is received in any condition of value, you will be compensated for its value.
-
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
