1. Reagan Wireless Explains Why We Recycle Cellular Phones
In addition to selling many of the most in-demand mobile phones and
phone accessories, Reagan Wireless maintains a major phone recycling
program. Our processes divert over 95 percent of cellular phone waste
from landfills. Although a mobile phone seems like a relatively small
contribution to your local landfill, there are many good reasons why cellular
phones should always be recycled.
Every year, approximately 100 million mobile phones go out of service,
either due to damage or upgrades to new models. Most of these phones
never make it to a recycling center, and approximately three quarters of
them end up sitting in the owner’s drawer.
Phones thrown into the garbage, numbering in the tens of millions annually,
have a significant environmental impact. The electronic components and
batteries in cellular phones contain many toxic materials. Exposed to the
elements, these can leach into groundwater, affecting municipal sources
and contaminating food. Mobile phone batteries also explode in landfills,
causing complications for operators and sparking further environmental
damage.
In addition to toxic chemicals, cellular phones contain many valuable and
expensive materials, including gold and copper. These can be reclaimed
and used in the manufacture of new phones or other electronics. In the
case of gold, this is especially valuable, because gold mining causes a
tremendous amount of pollution, on the order of several tons of waste for
each ounce of gold produced.
Some cellular phone recyclers also create refurbished phones by
combining several damaged models. An inexpensive and waste-free
solution, these phones can prove extremely valuable when donated to
individuals in developing countries. They also prevent the phones from
causing environmental harm.