From the point of view of someone who has used his cell phone for a long time without having to switch to a new one, the concept of cell phone recycling might seem silly. But really, you would be astonished to see how many cell phones get discarded every day. There are some people who change phones as soon as a newer model comes out, and as a result, more and more mobile phones are getting dumped and turned to wastes. Just pnder about it: with everyone using the new tiny and stylish cell phones, where do you think the dinosaurs of yesterday went when they were replaced? Cell phone nirvana? Not quite. As of now, there are more than 120 million mobile phones that are abandoned annually, and some of these cell phones end up forgotten in a closet at home or, worse, in the city’s landfill.

The Hazards of Abandoned cell Phones

When cellphones are thrown in with the usual waste dumps, the harmful metal wastes might end up destroying the environment. Just like other electronic wastes, cell phone parts have harmful metals such as mercury, cadmium, and lead. There are also hazardous chemicals like polyvinyl chloride and brominated flame retardants. These chemicals can cause various developmental problems in people, especially in kids. They can cause problems with the kidneys, liver, lungs, and even on the bones. Some of them may even increase the risk of cancer. Now, imagine if these wastes are taken into the ocean. Or, worse, what if these chemicals enter into our underground water sources? A terrifying idea, isn’t it?

Recycling is the Solution

Indeed, if that made you hold on to your used mobile phone a bit more tightly, don’t be depressed. There is a solution. Mobile phone recycling is one activity that you can do in order to help the environment and help yourself. The principle behind it is pretty simple. Basically, all you must do is to lengthen the cell phone’s usability for as long as you can. When you’re done with a mobile phone, try to find someone who can use it, either a friend or a family member. Or you can simply sell it to someone else. This way, your cell phone won’t go to waste. Or, if you like, you can simply return it to the manufacturer. They have programs that allow you to give them back your used cell phone. They will take care of all the recycling, and present you with some discounts on your next purchases from them too.