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On average, Americans replace their smartphones every two years. So, what happens to these old phones to ensure they don't just end up in landfills? Adrian Clark/Flckr/Creative Commons CC BY-ND 2.0More than 1.5 billion smartphones are sold each year by retailers. In the U.S., people typically buy new devices every two years, and many of the phones they discard are still in working condition (though they may be a bit slow). The question arises: what should we do with these outdated phones? [sources: Nair, Fowler]
Don't just throw your old phone away. Cell phones contain lithium-ion batteries, which are a significant fire risk and can even explode in certain situations. In California alone, 65% of waste facility fires are caused by discarded cell phone batteries [source: Siegal].
In addition to the fire hazard, cell phone electronics are made up of a valuable collection of components, including precious metals, copper, and plastics, all of which can be recycled to create new products. However, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates that only about 20 percent of all cell phones are recycled [source: LeBlanc].
While most cell phone providers offer drop-off bins or mail-in programs to make recycling your old phone easier, there are plenty of ways you can recycle your device and help others. Many charities have partnered with phone refurbishing companies and recyclers to generate funds and keep phones out of landfills, benefiting everyone. These organizations always ensure that any personal data is erased before recycling or reusing the devices. Here are some options for donating old phones.
1. Enable Soldiers to Stay in Touch
Cell Phones for Soldiers provides overseas troops with talk time so they can contact their loved ones. Founded in 2004 by two teenagers who were shocked to learn about a soldier who ran up an $8,000 phone bill while serving in Iraq, the organization has since collected over 20 million phones and provided more than 400 million minutes of talk time to military personnel.
The organization collects donated phones, selling them to recyclers or refurbishers, depending on their condition. The proceeds are used to purchase long-distance calling cards, which are then distributed to service members. Each phone donation funds about one hour of talk time for soldiers.
2. Assist Victims of Domestic Abuse
The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV) collects old cell phones to help fund their important work. They partner with Cellular Recycler, which refurbishes and resells phones. A portion of the proceeds from these sales supports NCADV’s programs. They also accept other outdated electronics, including old laptops, digital cameras, video game consoles, MP3 players, and their associated charging cords and accessories.
3. Contribute to a Meaningful Cause
Second Wave Recycling is an organization that takes in old phones, iPods, MP3 players, tablets, e-readers, handheld gaming devices, smartwatches, and even charging cables. Working devices are refurbished and sold, while older ones are recycled. The proceeds from these activities are donated to a chosen charity. Second Wave is currently supporting the Wounded Warrior Project, which helps military personnel injured in service to the U.S., but they have also supported other causes such as medical patient care, domestic abuse survivors, animal rescues, and many more. You can select the charity you want to support.
4. Contribute to a Safer Community
Did you know that all cell phones sold in the U.S., no matter the carrier, must be able to dial 911 in case of an emergency? That old phone gathering dust in your drawer can still call for help, as long as its battery is chargeable. 911 Cell Phone Bank is an organization that accepts used phones and repurposes them for emergency use by victims of abuse, law enforcement (such as replacing a broken screen on a phone a suspect damaged), and classrooms for app development courses.
5. Enhance Global Healthcare
Why keep your old phone tucked away when it could be used to save lives? Medic Mobile refurbishes and recycles old phones and tablets, using the funds to purchase mobile devices for medical workers in 26 countries, primarily in Asia, Latin America, and Africa. These devices help register pregnancies, track disease outbreaks, and facilitate communication during medical emergencies.
