Safe & Responsible Cordless Phone Disposal: Protecting the Environment

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), approximately 73% of solid waste is land filled or incinerated. Neither of these methods is suitable for the disposal of cordless phone components such as rechargeable batteries. In landfills, chemicals can enter the soil, ground water and surface water. Incineration can cause toxic emissions to enter the air. The proper disposal of cordless phones is necessary for public health and environmental protection.

Instructions

• 1

  Recycle your cordless phone. Many service providers, manufacturers and non-profit groups have programs that refurbish or recycle the components of old cordless phones. For example, the EPA provides consumers with information on recycling programs for electronic products such as cordless phones. (See Resources)

• 2

  Donate your cordless phone to a charitable organization. Examples include CollectiveGood and Goodwill Industries. CollectiveGood collects and refurbishes used cordless phones and donates the phones to organizations in the United States as well as developing countries around the world. Goodwill uses the sales of donated goods to help fund community-based programs such as job training and employment placement programs.

• 3

  Resell your cordless phone. If your phone is still in good condition, you may be able to sell it to an individual or organization. Post a classified ad on Craigslist or sell your phone on eBay. EBay allows users to set a "buy it now" price or sell items to the highest bidder. Provide an accurate description of the cordless phone and submit photos of it to increase your chances of making a sale.