Old cell phones

If you have an old cell phone hanging around, don’t throw it in the trash.  Most electronics contain toxic materials that can harm the environment if disposed improperly.  Reuse allows your old phone to give more years of service to offset the resources used and the environmental manufacturing cost.  Recycling can return metals and other materials to the manufacturing arena so they are not lost to the landfill.  There are many options for disposal of old cell phones.  Be sure to properly remove your personal data, preferably with a factory reset, before you dispose of your old cell phone.   Remove the SIM card if it’s still in the phone.  Consult a source that you trust when looking for locations to donate or recycle your old cell phone. 

• Many of us return our cell phone to our cell service provider at the same time we purchase the new one.  The cell service provider may refurbish and resell it, or may recycle it, depending on its age and condition. 
• Many locations will accept cell phones for recycling.  In the US, some large chain retailers will accept them for recycling.  In addition, websites such as https://earth911.com/ and  https://www.call2recycle.org/ provide guidance on where to recycle cell phones and many other items.
• If it is new enough, you may decide to sell your old phone.  Here’s an article with ideas and information. 

https://www.cnet.com/how-to/sell-my-phone-for-cash-tips-to-maximize-your-profit/

• Many organizations will accept phones that are still in good condition and provide them to seniors and domestic violence shelters.  Be sure to include the charger when you donate your phone. 

The article below has good information on recycling a variety of old electronics.  In future posts, I will discuss other types of electronics, but here’s the entire article in case I don’t get to your topic of interest fast enough. 
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https://www.cnet.com/how-to/recycling-electronics-what-to-do-with-your-old-laptops-phones-cameras-and-batteries