If you can't donate your old cell phone, or if it's broken beyond repair, recycle it. Today there are numerous recycling options for old cell phones. However, not all the cell phone equipment returned for recycling ends up at an appropriately managed facility. (To learn more about this issue, including why it's important to keep cell phones out of landfills, visit our section on What you need to know). Here are some tips on choosing a responsible recycler, as well as information on where to recycle cell phone batteries.
Cell phone recycling resources
Rechargeable battery recycling resources
1. Consider a recycler that has signed this pledge. A coalition of environmental groups has recently established a voluntary program known as the Electronics Recycler's Pledge of True Stewardship. The recyclers agree not to export hazardous electronic components to developing countries, not to dispose of equipment in municipal landfills or incinerators not equipped to handle it, and not to use prison labor, among other things. The program is relatively new, but the number of companies that have signed on is growing. For a searchable map of recyclers that have signed the pledge, click here.
2. Otherwise, find a recycler using the list of resources below, and ask them these questions:
The following questions and acceptable sample answers were adapted from the Basel Action Network (BAN), an environmental advocacy group.
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Q1. Which state or local electronics disposal laws do you comply with? [Acceptable answer would be that they comply with state and local electronics disposal regulations; to find out about E-waste legislation in your area, visit the US Environmental Protection Agency's e-cycling map (scroll down to see state listings)].
Q2. Do you send any electronic waste overseas? If so, where? [Acceptable answer would be that if they do send it overseas, they send it to developed countries including those in the European Union, and to facilities with environmental management systems in place.]
Q3. Where do you send your hazardous waste? [Acceptable answer would be that they send it to a facility that specializes in hazardous waste.]
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Cell phone recycling resources:
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• Local community programs. Some municipalities offer recycling programs that accept cell phones. To find out whether a program exists in your community, contact your local waste management agency, or consult the searchable map on the Electronic Industry Alliance Web site.
• Service provider programs. Many service providers offer in-store or mail-in recycling programs that accept all makes and models of phones, as well as accessories.
• Retailer programs. Some service providers and independent recyclers have teamed up with retailers like Best Buy, Office Depot, and Staples to sponsor free, limited-time, in-store collection events.
• Private recycling firms. You can also take your electronic waste directly to a private recycling company. Lists of such companies are available on the Electronic Industries Alliance Web site (click on your state, then on find reuse and recycle options), as well as at Earth 911.
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Recycling old batteries. Rechargeable cell phone batteries should be recycled to keep the heavy metals they contain out of landfills. While some cell phone recyclers will accept used batteries, you can also recycle them directly through the industry-funded Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation They have more than 30,000 drop-off locations. Those include many major retailers, including Best Buy, Home Depot, and Staples, among others.
Don't recycle your identity! Before you recycle your cell phone, make sure that you terminate the service, and rid the phone of all traces of personally identifiable information that could be used for identity theft. Visit our Protect your identity section to learn how.
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