Electronic waste has become a major problem in landfills, especially items that are replaced often like cell phones. It is estimated that the average cell phone owner replaces their device about every year and a half, even when their current device is still working. The problem is where the old phones go once they have been replaced by a new model. Recycling is vital to keep these devices out of landfills to protect the environment.

Cell phones are made from materials that can be toxic to the environment. The metals and other elements they contain can pollute the water system and soil, never breaking down but building up to toxic levels. However, almost all the components in cell phones can be recycled or reused. By recycling a million cell phones, the following metals can be obtained:

• 750 pounds of silver
• 70 pounds of gold
• 30 pounds of palladium
• 35,000 pounds of copper

These metals can be used to make new cell phones and other electronic devices, instead of mining for more metals. This also saves on the resources needed to mine and process these metals, offering a double benefit to the environment.

Electronic recycling is recommended by the EPA and is the law in many states. Most major retailers of electronics offer e-cycling drop-off points where you can bring your cell phones, TVs, computers and other devices. But you don’t need to recycle your cell phones for free. Most cell phones are worth money, even when they don’t work any longer.

Check with your local cell phone repair store. Some of the major chains of cell phone repair also buy old cell phones for cash, recycling them for their usable parts and materials. It is a great way to finally recycle those old cell phones and get paid a little money for doing the right thing.

Posted on behalf of:
iDeviceMD
1570 Old Alabama Rd
Roswell, GA 30076
(678) 869-9899