Tag Archives: safe tech recycling

How and Why to Recycle Your Outdated Mobile Phone

We’ve discussed this any number of times here at Easy Ways to Go Green. With the rapid advancement of technology comes the era of disposability — the new model is introduced, and next thing you know, you’ve got a pile of outdated mobile phones, pagers, mp3 players, and more.

As cell phones seem to find themselves in the hands of more and more people on the planet, they are quickly becoming the number one e-waste product around. And all of these obsolete items of technology contain toxic materials that are harmful to the environment if not disposed of properly. So what to do when trying to recycle mobile phones?

And when you recycle the old mobile properly, consider increasing your motivation by asking the question, Can I sell my phone for cash while I recycle it?

The statistics regarding how often those living in the developed economies of the world purchase and throw away mobile phones are staggering, when you take into account the amount of necessary waste. With Americans alone averaging a new mobile phone purchase or getting new free cell phones at least once in any two-year (or less!) period of time, you can imagine the bits of technology being thrown away, creating potentially hazardous toxins entering our landfills and water supplies. So what are the toxins? Many old mobile phones contain heavy metals like cadmium, mercury and lead. Not to mention Continue reading →