Thursday, September 17, 2009

Old Cell Phones

Here is a direct quote from a message to me, at work from our AGU Green Team.  I thought it was worthy of passing along.  Each week we receive a message from our own Green Team. 

"Did you know that millions of cell phones reach the end of their life each year? Many of these cell phones are sitting in a drawer gathering dust or are thrown in the trash. Most of these phones can be refurbished and used again especially by soldiers. AT&T, Staples, Fedex, and other electronics companies accept cell phones and usually have drop off boxes in their stores.


Why is this important? Cell phones contain toxic metals and chemicals that are harmful to ground water if not disposed of properly. Recycling phones keeps these chemicals out of the landfill as well as reducing the need for mining and processing of precious metals. For more information on where and how to recycle see http://www.epa.gov/waste/partnerships/plugin/cellphone/index.htm For information on cell phones for soldiers see http://www.cellphonesforsoldiers.com/"


See more green tips from Think Green Thursday

10 comments:

kate said...

Thanks for the reminder! I picked up one of those self addressed bags to mail my phones in to the soldier program a year ago and I haven't done it yet! Off to do it now!
-kate

squirrel said...

Good for you! I need to locate my extra phone.. I think I gave it to a friend to give to their church for a recycling effort but I'm not sure. I'd better check.

maryt/theteach said...

When I got a new cell phone the ATT store took my old one and gave it to someone who can't afford a cell phone. That's recycling! :)

Thinking Green said...

Great reminder... we give our old cell phones to the local battered women's shelter... Michelle

Trillium said...

Great idea! Thanks for posting this! Also, agencies that serve victims of domestic violence and sexual assault also accept cell phone donations to give to clients. Even if the service for a particular phone has been discontinued, as long as the phone is kept charged, it can be used to call 911 free of charge.

bobbie said...

this is a great tip. I hope everyone picks up on it when they have an old phone.

Wanda..... said...

I believe our fire department accepts old phones for the purpose of donating to someone!

Carletta said...

Good information!
I remember walking into a phone store with an old phone that wasn't charging quite right and the manager saw me holding it and said I could get an upgrade. They really wanted me to buy a new one. I didn't for about six months when the charger broke. If I could have bought a new charger for less than a new phone. I'd have done it.
Wonderful info and reminder!

Tulip said...

thanks for the information. happy tgt.

Tulip said...

thanks for the information. happy tgt.