Cell phones are a handy accessory, and currently an extremely popular commodity that is fast becoming trashed in favor of newer models more often than vehicles these days it seems.  Cell phones happen to be a type of manufactured garbage that is rapidly cluttering up our landfills more than any other type of trash.
This is due in large part to consumers being blissfully unaware of the hazards cell phones can pose to our environment and what one person can do to make a difference.  Most people when thinking of being eco friendly operate under the mistaken assumption that they are only one person, so what difference does it make what THEY do?
This assumption is so wrong because if you think like that then it’s a good bet that at least half the neighborhood thinks like that too, let alone entire communities.  There are also people that feel that they don’t need to make an effort at all because someone

else will make the effort for them, we leave the responsibility to others when in reality we all share a stake in this problem.  So now instead of one person not taking action, you have many people not taking action and for that, our environment and our health suffers as a result.
Please know that cell phones are hazardous items and leach toxins into our earth and water table when improperly disposed of.  So what can you do to help fight this?  In a word, “recycle”.  There are several nonprofit organizations now out there that take old cell phones and put them to good use.
What do these companies do with your old cell phones?  Depending on the company, some either refurbish and resell them, or sell them to manufacturers as parts to create new consumable products.  Others donate them to organizations that are trying to help third world countries to provide low cost communication options to those not as fortunate as ourselves. 
Staples now has a recycling program that offers incentives for you to donate your old cell phones, pda’s, pagers and such.  Typically you go on to receive coupons that you can redeem on new products in store.
There are other companies such as Pace Butler www.pacebutler.com who have been in business since 1987 that will actually pay up to $50 (depending upon the model and condition) for your old cell phone but what a great way to reduce the amount of garbage that ends up in the landfills, with the added bonus of giving your old cell phone a second chance at life.
If you want to simply donate your cell phone through Pace Butler, the proceeds are then distributed to one of the five worthy charities of your choice.
Another great idea for old cell phones is to transform it into a toy for your tot.  Kids love to be like mommy and daddy, so instead of chucking yours in the nearest trash can, why not give it to your little one to play make believe with? 
It’s a great way to make your urge to upgrade to the newest model of cell phone less hazardous for the world.  Remember, we only have one planet and by virtue of living on it we are all responsible for its preservation, every one of us.  That means educating ourselves on the best ways to achieve this. 
Even through small actions can big changes occur and what better way to start than with recycling your old cell phone.