Recycling Cell Phones:

Verizon has a program in which they recycle and reuse cellphones. They collect the old cell phones that customers no longer want. Then they refurbish them and put them back into use through a program called "Hopeline." Hopeline is a program for victims of domestic violence. In which the participants receive a free cell phone and usage. All the participants need to do, when they need help, is dial #4673 then press send. They are connected directly to the National Abuse Hotline to get information and the help they need. In 2004 Verizon donated over 11,500 phones to shelters, 2005 it was 9,600 and in 2006 it was over 16,000. Verizon is one of the biggest recyclers of cell phones. The total of cell phones recycled in the year 2004 was over 139,000, in 2005 it was over 267,600 and in 2006 it was beyond 242,600. Verizon actually collected over 990,000 cell phones in 2006. Those not recycled or sent to hopeline were refurbished and put back into use by customers/loaners.

AT&T also has programs that help our environment through recycling cell phones. Theirs is called Keep America Beautiful. It also helps recycle computers too. On their site you get to choose from a list of charities in which you would like to donate your old cell phone. These charities range from domestic abuse to child abuse agencies, animal advocates, the red cross, foreign agencies abroad that help other causes including those in the service, different ministries ect.

By recycling cell phones and their batteries it helps to keep our landfills empty. Thus saving us from the deadly leaching of lead and mercury that can happen when they are disposed of improperly. Cadmium is another toxin in which can be found in cell phones and other electrical devices. It is deadly in which it affects our lungs and kidneys. Mercury oftentimes finds it's way into our streams and fish. When we get are exposed to toxic amounts of mercury it affects our brain. Mercury has been found to be a main link to those who develop Alzheimer's disease. Lead is the worst of all three as it affects the environment by entering our waterways, grasslands, and even the air we breathe. It causes more health conditions for us also. It attacks our bodies through our bones, muscles, fat and blood. Damaging organs such as the kidneys, nerves, brain and liver. When lead affects the brain and nerves it causes seizures, memory problems, mental retardation and mood changes. It will also cause osteoporosis. It can lead to heart and blood problems such as anemia, high blood pressure and heart disease. If this is what happens to us. Think how is also affects our wildlife.

Cell phones are fun for teenagers to call their friends. They have also become a necessity in our world of business and mobile society of today. However, just like many other things we need to take special care when we no longer have need of the old ones anymore. Therefore, cell phones their chargers and batteries should be disposed of just like any other hazardous waste. Do not just throw them away in your trash can to where they end up in the landfill. Please let's protect, not pollute and destroy, our earth. Below are a few links to charities in which you can donate your old cell phone.


discardedcells
charitable recycling
donateurcell