The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is encouraging consumers to recycle their old mobile phones, according to the New York Times. E-waste or electronic waste has become a greater problem as mobile phone and computer consumption increases worldwide. Mobile phone batteries contain high levels of heavy metals.
EPA’s new “easy call” campaign will let consumers drop off their mobile phone at participating stores, or return the phone with a prepaid mailer.
Of course, consumers can always resell their old phones on eBay or a dedicated site. There are campaigns to collect old mobile phones for soldiers, crime victims, and others who may only need a lifeline or limited connection.
Consumers seem more likely to return their old phone when they purchase a new one. Some mobile phone stores offer to transfer address books and files to a new phone, and keep the old phone for recycling. I try to erase or wipe my old mobile phones before I retire them, just for the sake of my own privacy.
Tags: ecology, environment, ewaste, green, hardware, mobile, privacy, USA
