Mobile Issues | Wireless Freedom | Wireless Innovation

Mobile Phone & Device Recycling

Reducing E-Waste From Cell Phones and other Mobile Devices

“Until now, there have been few models available of so-called green, or environmentally friendly, mobile phones….  That is slowly changing, as the mobile phone industry looks for ways to appeal to a growing segment of consumers who want to reduce their carbon footprints.”
-New York Times, February 15, 2009

In 2007, approximately 14 million Americans recycled their used cell phones, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.

A look at additional progress in reducing mobile e-waste and its carbon footprint:

• A light sensor that detects natural light, allowing phones to save energy.
• A phone made from recycled water bottles which can itself be recycled when it’s no longer used.
• A charger that draws a fraction of the power of most chargers when plugged into an outlet, but not to a phone. (It’s still better to unplug your charger when it’s not in use.)

Recycling efforts are also accelerating.  As the New York Times reported in November 2008, new technology is creating innovative recycling programs with “zero landfill” results. New machines “crunch” discarded cell phones and other electronics products into core materials, which are then sold on the open market.

Hempstead, New York, with 800,000 residents, now sends 12 tons of e-waste to a “zero landfill” recycler.

Of course the best way to reduce e-waste is for unwanted cell phones and PDA’s to find a new owner.  The major wireless carriers typically have programs where you can drop-off your phones for reuse and recycling for members of the Armed Forces, assault victims and other worthy groups that may not be able to afford a new phone.

The U.S. Postal Service also recently launched a program to help consumers recycle their small electronics. Free, postage-paid envelopes are available in Post Office lobbies. Or there may be a drop-off point near you that will accept your phone.  The EPA maintains a webpage to help you locate recycle centers.  Just click here.

Before donating, consumers should always take steps to erase personal information from their devices.