Living Green

Cellular Phone Recycle & Reuse

From Earth911

Cellular phones were used by over 128 million Americans in 2001, according to the Cellular Telecommunications and Internet Association (CTIA) Semi-Annual Wireless Industry Survey.

Inform, Inc., an environmental research firm, estimates that cell phones are replaced approximately after 18 months of use, which will result in over 130 million phones being disposed of annually.

Many consumers also store old cell phones because they are unsure of how to discard them, contributing to what Inform approximates will be 500 million cell phones added to the situation.

With toxic elements like lead and mercury found in each mobile unit, it is important to keep cell phones out of landfills and incinerators.

There are many resources available to help you either recycle your old cell phone or reuse it through donation programs set up nationwide.

For more information, visit Earth 911.