More Cell Phones Than Humans
It might sound crazy, but it’s true— there are almost 9 billion cell phones/smartphones on the planet, more than one phone per person.
Cell phones and smartphones are everywhere and have become a standard part of life, even in the poorest countries. They’re not going anywhere, anytime soon…
Or are they? Only 15% of cell phones are actually recycled. So, they’re going somewhere.
That somewhere is usually a landfill.
Cell Phones Contain Toxic Materials
Cell phones unfortunately contain a wide variety of toxic materials, including:
- Bromine
- Chlorine
- Cadmium
- Lead
- Mercury
- Arsenic
- Beryllium
When a cell phone ends up in a landfill, over time it is possible for all of these toxic chemicals and compounds to seep into the ground. They can contaminate the water supply, and even pollute the air.
Did you know that a single lithium-ion battery from a smartphone can contaminate a huge amount of water, up to 16,000 gallons?
What’s ironic about all this is that cell phones not only can be recycled fairly easily, but even broken phones still have value. Old phones can be refurbished, used for parts, and used as emergency devices to contact 911 (even without a cell plan).
At Protec Recycling in Alabama, we know how to recycle your business’s old cell phones to keep them out of landfills and maximize the potential use out of discarded electronics.
Is Your Personal Data on Your Discarded Phone?
Something else to consider is that old cell phones often contain a lot of personal data— even if you wipe them clean.
Your SIM card carries a lot of personal information, but there’s more to it than that. Hackers can use a SIM card to copy and use your phone number. They can then impersonate you and attempt to gain access to your bank account or your credit cards.
When you recycle a cell phone properly, you can rest assured that your personal data has been wiped clean. At Protec Recycling, we provide certification that your personal data has been safely destroyed for all electronic devices we recycle.
One-Time or Ongoing e-Waste Disposal Services
From one-time purges to regularly scheduled service, Protec helps you regularly (and properly) dispose of ewaste, including old cell phones or smartphones. To schedule a pickup, call our office at 205-549-2120 or visit our Contact Us page today.
