Recycle Cell Phones

More and more people are becoming actively involved in the recycling movement, taking the small, everyday actions that add up to a big impact overall. One way you can participate in this movement is by recycling your used cell phones . . . and the best way to do that is to donate them to a worthy cause. Gather up all other used cell phone you can find - talk to your family members, friends and neighbors, and then recycle them in bulk.

Many people wonder what happens to used cell phones that are recycled. The answer depends on the age and condition.

Cell phones that are working, or that can be economically repaired, are refurbished and put back in use, often by people in developing countries in South America. In developing areas that do not yet have telephone service to the public, it is often more economical and environmentally friendly to set up a cellular phone network than to run cables to every home. Also, good, used cell phones are much more affordable for people living on very limited incomes. So, as people in the developed countries like the US move to newer cell phones with more features, their older, working phones are made available to others who may be getting their first telephone service ever. Studies show that inexpensive communications is one of the best ways to encourage economic growth in under developed areas affected by poverty.

Used cell phones and batteries that are not working or repairable can and should be processed in a way that keeps the sometimes toxic materials out of the environment. This recycling process is only feasible when done in large quantities. Donating your used cell phones to an organization that is running a cell phone collection drive will ensure the fastest and cheapest way to get them into the recycling stream.

Another way your recycling efforts help: putting a working cell phone back into use reduces the need to manufacture a new phone. Manufacturing new cell phones puts a load on our environment, starting with the demand for the raw materials. These raw materials must be mined, which results in loss of habitat and a reduction in the forested areas of the world, which produce the oxygen we all breathe. Transportation, packaging materials and other resources consumed in manufacturing can be reduced, but only if everyone makes their contribution.

Look on the home page of AmericanCellPhoneDrive.org for a drop-off location near you. What if you can't find one close to you? Think about the organizations you or your family members participate in. Is there a need to raise funds for a special project or trip, or to help with ongoing operating expenses? If so, consider taking the lead in organizing a cell phone recycling and fund raising drive.