Mobile phones and cell phones have become the newest junk to take over landfills
. People tend to upgrade their phones every year and their old phone ends up in the garbage. Unfortunately, this kind of garbage if full of small pieces that is harmful to the environment and is the cause of over 65,000 tons of toxic waste each year. They are also filled with dangerous chemicals like lead, arsenic, and mercury. But there is a bright side because there are more and more recycling centres offering mobile phone recycling.
There are over 500 million old cell phones sitting in junk drawers or taking up space in peoples homes. Many people who know the dangers of throwing a mobile phone in the garbage hold onto them, not knowing what else they can do.
One lesser known option for mobile phone recycling is to donate your old phone. There are many people who could benefit from a mobile phone for emergency purposes, but cannot afford to get one on their own. Many senior citizens groups recommend that the elderly have a mobile phone in case they fall or otherwise injure themselves. Even without a phone plan a mobile phone call dial out to emergency services. This is also true for women who are in shelters. Having access to an emergency line can be life saving.
There are a few important steps to take before donating your phone. You want to make sure that all of your information is erased. Most mobile phones have a master reset option. If you cannot figure out how to do this someone at a mobile phone centre or shop will be able to help you reset your phone. You will also want to make sure that your service plan has been cancelled or changed over to your new phone.
There are many different organizations that will collect your older or unwanted phone. With a quick search online you will be able to find dozens of different groups where all you have to do is packages your phone and mail it off. Some of these groups will also have drop of centres. Making it easy for you to take your phone and give it to someone in need.
One mobile phone can pollute over 132,000 litres of water. With an item so small causing so much damage it is good to know that there are positive options for taking care of such a toxic problem. By taking a little time you can give your unwanted cell phone to someone who really needs it and do a little part to save the planet.