Water Quality District - Hazardous Waste
Cell Phones
What Is The Problem?
There are two disposal issues regarding cell phones; the phone itself and the rechargeable battery. Cellular phones and batteries may contain toxic materials such as mercury, lead, and cadmium that can create environmental problems if they are thrown away with other household garbage.
Disposal Options
Reuse:
- Donate: Donate your usable cell phone to a charitable organization in need, or call a local civic or religious organization. You could receive a tax deduction, and would be helping someone else out. Be sure to include the phone, home charger, and battery.
- Staples Stores accept used cell phones for recycling: 2640 N. Reserve, Missoula, 728-9558.
- If you have a cell phone that can be reused or recycled, check out the Collective Good website. Collective Good is an on-line cell phone recycling resource that accepts old phones for refurbishing to provide affordable communication overseas in developing countries.
- You may mail your cell phone to "Call to Protect" (www.wirelessfoundation.org) a program that donates cell phones to victims of domestic violence, for donation.
Recycle:
- Check with the dealer, retailer, or manufacturer to find out if they will take back the old phone when a new one is purchased.
- Ask if programs are available to accept old equipment for resale or recycling.
- Learn more about recycling cell phones at the EPA Recycling Website.
Dispose:
- Trash: If you do not find a donation or recycling opportunity, remove the battery from the cell phone and place in the trash. See Rechargeable Batteries for battery recycling information.
The Residential Disposal Guide is provided by the Missoula Valley Water Quality District as a public service and is not an endorsement of specific businesses, services or products. Any omissions or inaccuracies are unintentional. Please contact us with corrections or additions. Call businesses or agencies to confirm hours, locations and charges for services, if any. For information on disposal of items not listed, email or call the Water Quality District at 406-258-4890, M - F, 8 am to 5 pm.
Much of the information provided is from the Washington County, MN, Dept. of Public Health and Environment website.
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