Cell Phones

Cell phones these days seem to have built in expiration dates.  With "free upgrades" every few years and offers to upgrade for signing new contracts, not to mention the wondrous advancements in technology every few months, the sales and marketing of cell phones and their rechargeable batteries can and does create a lot of e-Waste.  You can help to reduce this waste by considering a few simple options.

1. Skip an upgrade.  Instead, see if you can negotiate a better rate on your monthly service.  It will save you in the long run.  If even only a small fraction of consumers skipped a single upgrade, we would could reduce cell phone disposal by the millions.
2. Replace the battery.  Sometimes the easiest way to extend the life of your phone is to replace the battery (on models where that is possible.)  In those cases, please dispose of your old rechargeable battery by leaving it with the vendor when you purchase a new one.  Be sure to ask if the battery will be recycled.  Almost all vendors participate in recycling programs.
3. Donate your cell phone to charity.  Many people cannot afford the initial purchase of a cell phone, but could use one for safety reasons or to support a job search.  You extend the life of your old phone, and also help someone in your community, when you donate it to the charity of your choice.  Be sure to clear your phone of all personal information, including photos, prior to donation.
4. Drop your phone at City Hall.  You will find a recycling drop-box in the lobby next to our Security station.  We will send your old phone for recycling.
5. Bring your unwanted phone to one of our Household Hazardous Waste Drop-off Events. 
6. Log on to Call2Recycle to find additional drop locations near you.  Since 1996, Call2Recycle has safely diverted over 85 million pounds of rechargeable batteries and cellphones.
7. Check with the salesperson when you buy your new phone.  Most retailers participate in a recycling program and will gladly take your old phone.