The state of Florida wants to protect our environment by collecting cell phones for recycling at community events. Cell phones contain lead, mercury, cadmium and arsenic in their components. When cell phones end up in the trash to be taken to landfills or incinerators these poisons can enter the groundwater and soil.
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) website gives a number of good reasons to recycle old cell phones rather than toss them out. Cell phones are made from resources which require energy to mine and process (precious metals, copper and plastic) recycling these materials conserves natural resources, avoids air and water pollution, greenhouse gas emissions and saves the amount of energy equivalent to the electricity used by more used by more than 24,000 homes in a year.
If the phones are still operational, they may be recycled into service for people who cannot afford a cell phone otherwise or sent to developing countries for people who wouldn't have the opportunity to acquire a cell phone.
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Easy As One environmental awareness campaign has two collection events scheduled this month. Orlando residents will have an opportunity to take part in a collection event on March 19, 2011 at the Orlando Fashion Square Mall, East Colonial at McGuire Road. The DEP's Easy As One team is taking part in a one day community event called Go Eco Orlando. Collected reusable cell phones will be donated to the 911 Cell Phone Bank where phones are cleared and refurbished and sent to law enforcement agencies or victim assistance programs for distribution to people who may need emergency communication. Unusable phones will be recycled. Particpants will receive a day pass that can be used at any Florida State Park in return for their donation as long as supplies last.
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