There's hope for old cell phones through recycling

With more than 262 million cell phone users in the United States, industry estimates show that nearly half of those consumers will upgrade their phones this year. So, what happens to the 130 million perfectly usable cell phones given "early retirement?"

Unfortunately, many of these phones are thrown in the trash, or just shoved in a drawer. However, there is another option.

Many retailers offer programs that make it easy for consumers to recycle their wireless phones and other electronics. For example, Verizon Wireless accepts used phones, in any condition, from any service provider that can be returned to any of its stores nationwide. Through the company's HopeLine program, the phones are either recycled or refurbished for resale and reuse with proceeds supporting victims of domestic violence. In the New York Metro area, Verizon Wireless has donated $1 million in products, services and cash grants since 2001, including nearly 2,000 wireless phones.

And, community groups aren't the only ones that benefit when consumers recycle their cell phones. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, recycling 100 million cell phones would save enough energy to power more than 18,500 United States households with electricity for one year. With Earth Day approaching, what could be easier than recycling your old cell phone?

Patrick Devlin

President New York/New Jersey Metro

Region Verizon Wireless Orangeburg, N.Y.