How to Recycle Dead Gadgets
Cell Phones
As with computers, most cell phone providers will take back your phone when you're done with it, with varying degrees of reward, incentive and privacy-invasion (find the collection program closest to you here). Those that aren't refurbished are pilfered for their metal and plastics for use in other products -- everything from circuit boards to kitchen cabinetry -- which keeps those materials out of the landfill.
With RIPMobile.com, you can turn your old phone in using a free postage label and receive gift certificates in return to places like Circuit City and PayPal. If you'd rather continue the good recycling karma, wirelessfoundation.org will collect your mobiles to help Call To Protect, a program that refurbishes and resells mobile phones and donates the proceeds to domestic abuse charities.
As with computers, most cell phone providers will take back your phone when you're done with it, with varying degrees of reward, incentive and privacy-invasion (find the collection program closest to you here). Those that aren't refurbished are pilfered for their metal and plastics for use in other products -- everything from circuit boards to kitchen cabinetry -- which keeps those materials out of the landfill.With RIPMobile.com, you can turn your old phone in using a free postage label and receive gift certificates in return to places like Circuit City and PayPal. If you'd rather continue the good recycling karma, wirelessfoundation.org will collect your mobiles to help Call To Protect, a program that refurbishes and resells mobile phones and donates the proceeds to domestic abuse charities.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Ronny @ Apr 19th 2007 9:45PM
If your old cell phone still functions, take it and the charger to a local women's abuse organization and they'll put it directly in the hands of a woman who may need to call "911" to protect herself and her children. Any functional cell phone, even without a paid account, will dial out "911".
KaTee @ Apr 19th 2007 10:04PM
Verizon Wireless has a program called HOPELINE that collects old cell phones and donates them to victims of domestic violence. Just drop your old phone off at any Verizon Wireless store.
Sally @ Apr 19th 2007 11:16PM
I would like to encourage people to visit www.cellphonesfor soldiers.com, as another valuable program in recycling cell phones and related accessories and attached batteries.
The web site will direct you to a drop off location close to your area, or you can join the program as an official cell collection center. You will receive a donation receipt upon request.
Ali @ Apr 20th 2007 12:02AM
Another place to recycle your old cell phones is to look online in a search engine and type recycle cell phones for breast cancer. I donated my old cell phones to be recycled for breast cancer research. You can do the same with old printer ink cart, as well as cameras and other gadgets.
gina @ Apr 20th 2007 12:22AM
Staples Stores will recycle cell phones and give them to charities, and if you turn in ink cartridges they will give you a coupon for $3 off your next purchase. You can get as many coupons as you have ink, but can only use 3 a day. They give you a coupon for Dell, Lexmark and all HP cartridges.. They also accept pdas pagers and chargers
JNF @ Apr 20th 2007 12:24AM
If you are in Dallas, the Genesis Women's shelter wants you old phones. They convert cell phones to call only the shelter, or 911. You can drop them off at 3419 Knight, in Dallas. Don't worry, this is not the shelter, so I'm not revealing anything about the shelter location.
Dean Leonetti @ Apr 20th 2007 3:34AM
There are a group of young people that recycle used cell phones to soldiers. The airtime is paid by sponsors. I do not, however have any contact info.
Brannon @ Apr 20th 2007 11:43AM
Any ideas for recycling old electric razors that have a battery inside that cannot be accessed?
momma bear @ Apr 22nd 2008 3:38PM
Call your local Girl Scout Council (www.gsusa.org) and find out if they are recycling. That way you can help both the environment and the Girl Scouts. They also may recycle printer cartridges.