Recycling cell phones

According to CTIA, over 400 million phones are sold yearly. And, just as PCs have become a growing landfill problem, cell phones are not far behind. Cell phones, like PCs, contain hazardous materials such as lead, lithium ion, and cadmium that, if released in a landfill, could contaminate the soil and groundwater.

Sherri Carmody

Nov. 20, 2003

Dig your old cell phone out from the junk drawer and recycle it. The Cellular Telecommunications and Internet Association (CTIA) is asking cell-phone companies to promote recycling as well as to use recycled products in phones and packaging. So far, AT&T Wireless, Motorola, Nokia, Sprint, and Verizon Wireless are on board for the "Wireless: The New Recyclable" program.

Information about company recycling efforts can be found on www.recyclingwirelessphones.com Also, AT&T Wireless, Sprint, Cingular, and others will take back old phones, regardless of make or model.