Cell Phones
What Should I Do With It?
Cell phones represent a major source of global electronic waste and must be kept out of standard household trash and curbside recycling bins. These devices contain highly toxic substances that pose severe environmental hazards if sent to a landfill, yet they are also packed with precious, irreplaceable metals that can be recovered and reused. If your old smartphone is still working, consider donating it to keep it in use, or repurpose it as a dedicated trackpad, baby monitor, or flash drive. Once a phone is completely non-functional, you should drop it off at an authorized electronics retailer, a dedicated e-waste collection drive, or your local household hazardous waste site for safe recycling.
Safety First
This item contains chemicals, heavy metals, or batteries that can be dangerous. Throwing it in your regular trash can cause fires, hurt sanitation workers, or leak harmful chemicals into the environment.
Before throwing this away, see if it can be fixed up, given to a friend, or donated to a local thrift shop. Keeping items in use is the best way to stop waste before it starts!
The recycling guidelines shown here are for general reference and educational purposes. Every city and town has different rules, sorting equipment, and recycling programs.
Please check your local town website or ask your local garbage collection program to make sure you are following your neighborhood's rules.