By Lee Jonson
Phones have become among the most valuable and trendy gadgets in our lives. They help us in doing day-to-day activities such as communication, gaming, and taking photos. But the technology is changing, and more advanced models are coming to the market. So, what do you do with your old model?
Most people store them in drawers and others throw them away while few trade them in for an updated model. But do you know you can recycle or reuse your old phone?
Recycling is an environmentally friendly way of disposing of your old cell phones. It reduces our carbon footprint and helps keep toxic chemicals out of landfills. Read on to learn why recycling your old phone is good for your pocket and the planet.
It Will Save You Money
Trading in your old phone model for an upgrade is one best way of disposing of an old cell phone. However, selling it as a second-hand phone will earn you more and save you money for your next upgrade.
For instance, if you sell your old iPhone model, add a few hundred pounds and buy a new model. By doing so, you will buy yourself an advanced model of iPhone without spending much.
Save Environment from Harmful Materials
The electronic components found on phones can be toxic to the environment if their disposal is incorrect. Animals and human beings depend on soil and water for food. If the harmful elements contaminate soils and water bodies, it can be disastrous.
However, good recycling practices can save the earth from such pollutants. Qualified recyclers can safely handle the harmful elements found in the phone.
Conserve Resources
Recycling old phones means some of the construction materials on the phone, such as solder, silicon, and other minerals, can be reused. This is beneficial to the environment as it reduces the need to extract raw materials. And it helps in conserving our natural resources.
According to EPA, about 35,274 pounds of copper are recovered from every 1 million mobile phones recycled. Take your old phone model to a qualified recycler, and it will help conserve resources.
It Reduces E-waste
Recycling your old phone model will also help reduce the amount of waste generated from electronic products. Research shows e-waste contributes about 2% of trash in America’s landfills. This type of pollution can be controlled by recycling or trading old phone models.
Besides reducing waste, recycling will help conserve energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
It Creates New Employment Opportunities
When you recycle your old phone, it helps create new job opportunities. Recycling electronic waste is a growing industry, and it employs millions of people. It creates jobs for the recyclers, the carriers, the retailers, and others. A report by REI shows recycling activities created about 681,000 jobs worth about $37.8 billion in 2012.
Recycling your old phone is the best way to protect our environment. It reduces e-waste and creates new job opportunities. So, before upgrading to the latest phone model, trade in your old one and help make a difference.
