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Recycling Your Old Cell Phone
Congratulations, you've bought a new cell phone. If you're wondering what to do with your old cell phone, don't throw it out. Not only do cell phones contain toxic parts that can leak into landfills, but you can actually get money for your old cell phones and other electronics.
With the new surge of interest in lowering our carbon footprint (and some states now requiring the recycling of electronics) a more eco-friendly alternative to cluttering a landfill with used cell phones is to take advantage of the variety of initiatives for recycling cell phones. Some organizations give the phones to those in need here in the U.S. (like battered women's shelters), redistribute them in developing countries (where cell phones are often the only means for making long distance calls), refurbish them to resell, or disassemble them for their component parts.
Cell Phone Trade-Ins guarantees that your old cell phone will either be put to good use (if it's in working condition) or disposed of in an environmentally sound fashion (if it's not). Cell Phone Trade-Ins will pay shipping and handling costs and send back a check immediately upon receipt of your old cell phone, or they will donate the cash value of your old cell phone to a charity of your choice.
Other charities like The American Red Cross and the Lance Armstrong Foundation work with cell phone recycling organizations to run their own fundraising programs. If you have a favorite cause, check to see if there's a program in place that benefits that organization.
The average life of a cell phone is 18 months and some estimates say that more than 150 million cell phones are replaced every year. Odds are that you replaced your cell phone recently or plan to do so soon. If so, please donate or sell your old cell phone to one of the many sites that collects used cell phones and put your old cell phone to good use.
The Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association (CTIA) runs a website called www.recyclewirelessphones.org that lists programs organized by the association's member companies. Some programs list physical locations where you can drop off your unused cell phones and others will send you a mailing label so you can simply drop your phone into the mail.
Other cash and charitable programs available include:
http://www.wirefly.org
http://cellphonetradeins.flipswap.com
http://www.grcrecycling.com
http://www.charitablerecycling.com
http://www.collectivegood.com
http://www.cellforcash.com
http://www.call2recycle.org
http://www.cashmyphone.com
Whether you're interested in turning your cell phone in for cash, making a donation, or even starting your own fundraising program, look around to see which cell phone recycling program offers the best deal for your old cell phone or your cause. But don't wait too long. The sooner you send in your old cell phone the more it'll be worth to you or your charity of choice.
Note: Before you send in your cell phone or drop it off in a collection box, remember that it's your responsibility to:
If you have questions about how to do this, contact your cell phone service provider.
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Recycling Your Old Cell Phone
Don't throw out your old cell phone! Recycle or donate used cellular equipment to help the environment and fundraise. Learn how.
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Learn about environmental initiatives and how to recycle your cell phone for charity or cash at wirefly.org.Get Cash for Your Phone or iPod
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