We are all attached to our cell phones. And as new models are released, we like to upgrade for better performance and more features. That means most American households have probably collected lots of older cell phones which are no longer used today.
Think of all the old cell phones that are just sitting around collecting dust in random desk drawers, surrounded by dead batteries and dried-up ink pens.
(And come on- let’s be honest. We all have one of those shameful junk drawers at home). Isn’t it time to clear it out?
Although we can’t help you dispose of used batteries or de-clutter your home office, we can help you responsibly recycle those old cell phones. It’s good for the environment and our communities. Plus, it’s free. Easy karma points, people!
But too many people just don’t do it. And we hear a lot of excuses why not. So today, we’re de-bunking the Top 3 Myths About Cell Phone Recycling…
Myth #1: Recycling Cell Phones Doesn’t Really Help The Environment
Sure it does! Cell phones are pieces of electronics made of unique materials. Unlike a simple glass bottle, a cell phone contains plastics, coppers, and other precious metals. Recycling cell phones means we cut down on the energy used to manufacture those valuable materials from scratch.
- For every one million cell phones recycled, we can recover and re-use 75 pounds of gold, 772 pounds of silver, 33 pounds of palladium, and 35,274 pounds of copper.
- As many as 130 million cell phones are discarded annually in the US. If these phones were recycled, the result would be enough energy saved to power 24,000 homes per year. Just one million recycled phones could power 185 homes for a year.
In addition to the metals that make up various device parts, cell phone coatings also sometimes contain lead. Recycling means we keep these materials out of regular landfills, where they could eventually contribute to air, ground, and water pollution over time.
Myth #2: Recycling My Cell Phone Won’t Change The World
Ok. So recycling a single cell phone probably won’t make a huge world impact on its own. …Or will it? Consider the benefits to our local community.
If you donate your cell phone, it will change the world for one person who’s in need. To someone who can’t afford such valuable technology, a re-used cell phone is a huge gift that helps them take advantage of modern communication tools. Used cell phones can be refurbished for senior citizens, disabled people, and even military personnel overseas. They are often provided to schools, community organizations, and charities for victims of domestic abuse.
To those who need it, your recycled cell phones could be life-changing.
Myth #3: I Don’t Have Time
Granted, our daily lives are pretty busy. (In fact, one of the advantages of smartphones is how they help us manage our hectic schedules). Sometimes it seems impossible to fit even one more thing in. So here’s an easy quiz to tell if you really are too busy to recycle your old phones.
- Do you have enough time to stop for coffee on your way home from work?
- Did you have enough time to park yourself on the couch for three rounds of Olympic Badminton?
- Do you have enough time to read this blog post?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you definitely have time to do your part. It’s super quick and easy. Just follow these steps…
Here’s How:
- Back up your data to your phone’s SD card or computer.
- Reset the phone to its original factory settings (master reset) so that all your personal data is wiped clean.
- Stop by any local nTelos retail store and drop it off.
And you’re done! If you need help, nTelos retail representatives are always available to assist you.
Many other companies offer cell phone recycling collection services as well. So pick the one that’s closest and most convenient for you. The important thing is just to do it. :)
