"Americans currently dispose of 128 million cell phones a year, only 1% of which are diverted from landfills. This appalling number isn't even counted in the 2 million tons of used electronics we also discard annually. The waste from such devices contains, according to the EPA, substances that are toxic when burned. Worse, in landfills, they seep into the groundwater and never break down."
Source: Andrew Zoll, "Business 3.0," Fast Company, No. 113 (March 2007): 68.
Recycling your phone is easy because there are so many options which require little effort. You can simply leave your phone with your provider when you purchase your new one, you can donate it to a cause, or you can even sell it. (In any case, remember to erase all your data first!)
Consider one of the options below when it's time for your next phone upgrade. (46 days and counting for me...I hate my current phone!)
http://www.epa.gov/epawaste/partnerships/plugin/cellphone/cell-recycling-locations.htm
http://recyclemycellphone.org/recycle.cfm
http://www.americancellphonedrive.org/
http://www.cellphonesforsoldiers.com/
http://www.apple.com/environment/recycling/ipodrecycling/
http://www.cellforcash.com/
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What's worse is that with every new generation of phones there is a new charger needed. You have to replace your home and car charger which probably go straight to landfills. China has already mandated a standard charger and Europe is following suit within the next 4 years. Hopefully America will figure it out soon.
ReplyDeleteGood point! Remember to pack up all the phone accessories as well when turning in/selling/donating your phone!
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