To someone who has used his mobile phone for a long time without having to switch to a new one, the idea of cell phone recycling might seem silly. But really, you would be surprised to see how many cell phones get discarded every day. There are some people who change phones as soon as a better model comes out, and as a result, more and more cell phones are getting dumped and turned to wastes. Just pnder about it: with everyone using the new small and stylish mobile phones, where do you think the dinosaurs of yesterday went when they were replaced? Mobile phone nirvana? Not really. As of now, there are more than 120 million mobile phones that are discarded each year, and some of these mobile phones end up forgotten in a drawer 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 hazardous metals such as mercury, cadmium, and lead. There are also harmful chemicals like polyvinyl chloride and brominated flame retardants. These things 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 deposited into the ocean. Or, worse, what if these chemicals enter into our underground water sources? A terrifying thought, 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 an answer. Cell phone recycling is one thing that you can do in order to help the environment and help yourself. The concept 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, be it 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 want, you can simply return it to the manufacturer. They have policies 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 as well.
