Many people are not aware of how many hazardous materials are used in making cell phones. Cell phones are just loaded with pollutants like lead from soldering, arsenic and brominated flame retardant that contaminates the soil water and air through incineration and landfill disposal. Instead of sending these hazardous substances into the earth and environment, people can recycle them or have them refurbished for reuse.

The rechargeable batteries that power cell phones are highly toxic as well. Although there is a battery recycling program called the Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corp. to collect and recycle these batteries, few consumers are aware of this program and simply throw their batteries into the trash.

The United States has a number of recycling programs available to its residents, but only about one percent of used cell phones are either recycled or reused. People need to take action immediately in order to understand, respond to and educate others about the availability of recycling cell phones.