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Technological advancements providing users with improved
reception through integrated antenna systems, reduced size
and weight of cell phones, along with numerous feature sets,
and storage improvements have caused the bulk of cellular
phone users and enthusiasts to upgrade to new and improved
handsets. The low cost of cell phones and the added
technological improvements mean that the majority of
cellular phone users are on their 2nd or 3rd generation hand
set.
Environmental Concerns
What many don't realize is that in many cases, the materials
used to construct cell phones are toxic. Toxic elements
found in many of today's cell phones can include arsenic, in
semi-conductors and lead in the solder material. While the
materials in a single phone are minimal consider the number
of discarded cell phones in the relatively short time the
technology has been available. The placement of these
devices in landfills will cause long lasting damage and harm
to the environment.
Recycling aged wireless equipment is a sensible alternative.
Valuable materials can be recovered from used wireless
devices in a number of different ways. In some cases,
certain components may be separated by manual or simple
mechanical means. The components can often be reused or
melted down for alternative uses.
Cell Phone Disposal - What Options Exist?
The cell phone
industry, understanding concerns related to the disposal of
cell phones and PDAs have created alternatives to both
refurbish and recycle the materials in older style cellular
phones.
Wireless Recycling
http://www.wirelessrecycling.com
ReCellular Inc. is the largest recycler and reseller of used
wireless phones and accessories in the wireless industry. A
pioneer in charitable recycling arrangements, ReCellular has
well-established partnerships with Easter Seals, the March
of Dimes, and National Organization on Disability, Goodwill
Industries, and The Body Shop. In addition, over 2,000
grassroots organizations from Boy Scout troops to religious
organizations around the country work to collect wireless
phones to support their philanthropic efforts. Charities can
raise funds by increasing community awareness and acting as
a wireless collection center.
Wireless Foundation
http://www.wirelessfoundation.org/DonateaPhone/index.cfm
Wireless Foundation refurbishes and provides cell phones to
victims of domestic violence so that they can be used in the
event of an emergency. The Call To Protect campaign also
collects wireless phones to benefit victims of domestic
violence. Proceeds from the sale of phones help fund
agencies that fight domestic violence and are used to
support educational efforts of the Wireless Foundation.
Other phones are refurbished and become lifelines for
domestic violence victims when faced with an emergency
situation.
Recycle Wireless Phones
http://www.recyclewirelessphones.com
Cellular
Telecommunications & Internet Association (CTIA*) and its
member companies are committed to the goal of sustainable
development and the environmentally sound management of
their wireless products at end-of-life. Through its Wireless
.. . . The New Recyclable program, CTIA is educating the
public on the options available for properly recycling used
wireless devices. The program seeks to promote the
collection of used wireless devices and ensure that
collected wireless products will be managed properly. The
site provides a directory of collection options.
AT&T Wireless
http://www.attwireless.com/our_company/cares/recycle_program.jhtml
Through the AT&T Wireless Reuse &
Recycle program, consumers are invited to bring unwanted
wireless phones, accessories and batteries (regardless of
the manufacturer or carrier) to an AT&T Wireless retail
store for recycling. AT&T Wireless is the first wireless
carrier to partner with Keep America Beautiful, a nationally
recognized nonprofit organization that focuses on waste
impact minimization, litter prevention, beautification,
community improvement and improvement of public places.
Proceeds from the recycling of wireless phones, batteries
and accessories are donated to Keep America Beautiful.
Call2Recycle
http://www.call2recycle.org/
RBRCs
Call2Recycle program collects used cellular phones to
benefit the environment and charitable organizations. With
the help of consumers and 30,000 participating retail
locations, RBRC's do their part in helping to keep cell
phones out of the landfills.
HopeLine
http://www.verizonwireless.com/hopeline
The HopeLine phone recycling program is an exclusive program
that uses wireless services and equipment to assist victims
in emergency domestic violence situations. HopeLine collects
wireless phones that are no longer being used. The used
phones are either refurbished and recycled or sold. With the
funds raised from the sale of the refurbished phones,
Verizon Wireless purchases wireless phones and donates
airtime to victims of domestic violence through human
services and law enforcement agencies.
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