Lifespan of a cellphone

Every two years, over one hundred million cell phones are cast aside in favor of the next hot item that hits the market. Where do all those cell phones go? Most cell phones find their final resting place to at the bottom of a dumpster, which can cause quite a few problems environmentally and economically. The good news is, there are other, more effective and profitable ways to dispose of old cell phones.

Falling apart

We’ve all seen it. An overused, dropped one too many times, excessively texted upon cell phone that has seen better days…and that was only four weeks ago! Why does it seem cell phones are just too fragile for the real world? Perhaps it’s because manufacturing companies understand consumers expect to replace their cell phones within a year or two of purchase, and spend more effort on the cosmetic features than creating a more durable product. We’re a visual society and while sleek and lithe are in so to speak, phones possessing those same characteristics make require gentle handling.

Consumer nature

As new phones are released into the market on a rather consistent basis chock full of new features, improved technology, and clearer pictures and sounds, it’s no wonder our old phones suddenly appear outdated and lackluster. It’s not that old cell phones don’t work – they’re just not up to par with the latest models’ enhancements that streamline communication and entertainment. There’s no reason to feel remorse because you just chucked a perfectly functioning phone. Just be sure to chuck it in the right direction – not in the trash.

Donations, donations, donations!

Since the trash can’s out as an option to discard old cell phones, where else can they go?

Organizations including RecyclePhones.org collect old phones for a number of causes such as battered women’s shelters and victims of domestic violence who can use the restored phones in the event of an emergency, as well as environmental (see RecyclePhones.org). Other organizations such as Eco-Cell collect cell phones that are sold to refurbishing companies who then sell the phones to developing markets in Africa and Latin America.

Currently only 2.3% of Americans recycle their old cell phones. It’s predicted as many as 500 million cell phones sit idle in homes or trash dumps across the U.S. The numbers prove opportunity looms for those wanting to recycle old cell phones for a good cause.