In researching an alternative, I found YouRenew to be a good alternative. An advantage to YouRenew is that they also accept most other electronics including MP3 players, gaming devices, digital cameras, laptops and more.

Did you know that an estimated 130 million, or roughly 65,000 tons, of cell phones are retired every year in the United States?

This creates a major problem with wireless phone disposal since just throwing them into the trash creates hazardous e-waste, or hazardous electronic waste.

Wireless phones contain toxic materials such as lead and cadmium which are hazardous to our soil and water supply if just disposed into landfills. In addition to toxic metals, wireless phones contain plastic; precious metals; glass; and other materials.

So what do you do with your old cell phones?

Well first, don’t just throw them in the trash!

For several years, I’ve used a cell phone recycling company called Cell For Cash. They recycle used cell phones certifying they won’t end up in a landfill, causing damage to our water supply and environment. They recondition these phones and resell them in other markets, or recycle the parts through companies that specialize in recycling or re-using industrial by-products or materials that contain precious metals, like cell phones.

The interesting part about Cell For Cash is that they’ll pay you to recycle your old cell phone. The process is straightforward, just visit the CellforCash web site, find your cell phone make and model, and the site will indicate how much they’ll pay for it. If your model is not listed, or too old (normally older than 2 years), they have other sources where you can drop off or mail your cell phone at no cost.

Personally, I’ve recycled dozens of cell phones with Cell For Cash that I had lying around or found from friends or family. It’s good to know I can put these phones to good use or know that they’ve been recycled and not dumped in my local landfill poisoning our environment.

Keep it green!