Recycle Cell Phones
Technological advancements providing users with improved reception through
integrated antenna systems, reduced size and weight of cell phones,
along with numerous feature sets, and storage improvements have caused
the bulk of cellular phone users and enthusiasts to upgrade to new and
improved handsets. The low cost of cell phones and the added
technological improvements mean that the majority of cellular phone
users are on their 2nd or 3rd generation hand set.
Environmental Concerns
What many don't realize is that in many cases, the materials used to
construct cell phones are toxic. Toxic elements found in many of today's
cell phones can include arsenic, in semi-conductors and lead in the
solder material. While the materials in a single phone are minimal consider
the number of discarded cell phones in the relatively short time the
technology has been available. The placement of these devices in landfills
will cause long lasting damage and harm to the environment.
Recycling aged wireless equipment is a sensible alternative. Valuable
materials can be recovered from used wireless devices in a number of
different ways. In some cases, certain components may be separated by
manual or simple mechanical means. The components can often be reused
or melted down for alternative uses.
Cell Phone Disposal - What Options Exist?
Cell Phone Disposal - What Options Exist? The cell phone industry, understanding
concerns related to the disposal of cell phones and PDAs have created
alternatives to both refurbish and recycle the materials in older style
cellular phones.
Wireless Recycling - http://www.wirelessrecycling.com
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ReCellular Inc. is the largest recycler and reseller of used wireless
phones and accessories in the wireless industry. A pioneer in charitable
recycling arrangements, ReCellular has well-established partnerships
with Easter Seals, the March of Dimes, and National Organization on
Disability, Goodwill Industries, and The Body Shop. In addition, over
2,000 grassroots organizations from Boy Scout troops to religious organizations
around the country work to collect wireless phones to support their
philanthropic efforts. Charities can raise funds by increasing community
awareness and acting as a wireless collection center.
Wireless Foundation - http://www.wirelessfoundation.org/DonateaPhone/index.cfm
- Wireless Foundation refurbishes and provides cell phones to victims
of domestic violence so that they can be used in the event of an emergency.
The Call To Protect campaign also collects wireless phones to benefit
victims of domestic violence. Proceeds from the sale of phones help
fund agencies that fight domestic violence and are used to support educational
efforts of the Wireless Foundation. Other phones are refurbished and
become lifelines for domestic violence victims when faced with an emergency
situation.
Recycle Wireless Phones - http://www.recyclewirelessphones.com
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Cellular Telecommunications & Internet Association (CTIA*) and its
member companies are committed to the goal of sustainable development
and the environmentally sound management of their wireless products
at end-of-life. Through its Wireless . . . The New Recyclable program,
CTIA is educating the public on the options available for properly recycling
used wireless devices. The program seeks to promote the collection of
used wireless devices and ensure that collected wireless products will
be managed properly. The site provides a directory of collection options.
AT&T Wireless - http://www.attwireless.com/our_company/cares/recycle_program.jhtml
- Through the AT&T Wireless Reuse & Recycle program, consumers
are invited to bring unwanted wireless phones, accessories and batteries
(regardless of the manufacturer or carrier) to an AT&T Wireless
retail store for recycling. AT&T Wireless is the first wireless
carrier to partner with Keep America Beautiful, a nationally recognized
nonprofit organization that focuses on waste impact minimization, litter
prevention, beautification,
community improvement and improvement of public places. Proceeds from
the recycling of wireless phones, batteries and accessories are donated
to Keep America Beautiful.
Call2Recycle - http://www.call2recycle.org/
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RBRC’s Call2Recycle™ program collects used cellular phones
to benefit the environment and charitable organizations. With the help
of consumers and 30,000 participating retail locations, RBRC's do their
part in helping to keep cell phones out of the landfills.
HopeLine - http://www.verizonwireless.com/hopeline
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The HopeLine phone recycling program is an exclusive program that uses
wireless services and equipment to assist victims in emergency domestic
violence situations. HopeLine collects wireless phones that are no longer
being used. The used phones are either refurbished and recycled or sold.
With the funds raised from the sale of the refurbished phones, Verizon
Wireless purchases wireless phones and donates airtime to victims of
domestic violence through human services and law enforcement agencies.
