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There was some talk over this past sumer about the ineffectiveness of cell phone recycling programs. There is a great hazard in throwing your cell phone in the trash. Not only are you wasting parts that can be used in other devices, but the environmental effects are akin to throwing away batteries. There are a few companies that encourage recycling, such as Virgin Mobile, and AT&T, who promote Cell Phones for Soldiers. Now we have third parties getting into the mix, like Recycling for Charities.

We think that RFC’s mission is rather noble:

Recycling for Charities is a 501c3 Non-Profit Organization that allows individuals an opportunity to recycle cellular phones, PDA’s, Palm Pilots, digital cameras, and iPods for value that is then donated to the charity of their choice. Not only is RFC acting as a medium to raise funds for charities, but the organization helps individuals protect the environment as well.

So how big a problem is this? Different sources will give you different answers, but here’s what RFC has to say about the problem:

By the end of this year, there will be approximately 550 million unused mobile and wireless phones stockpiled in the United States awaiting proper disposal. That number is expected to grow by upward of 175 million in each of the following years.

This year being 2007. They say that fewer than 8 percent of unused phones are recycled or refurbished. Surely, we can tick up that number a bit. Recycling for Charities makes it easy, Just go to their donation page and fill out the form. It’ll bring you to shipping labels, where you can print out the label for easy mailing. You can choose from dozens of charities to donate to, as well.

They also have the option to add a charity or start a fundraiser for your organization.

So, by donating your old, out-of-use phones, you’re helping everyone. It benefits the environment, since there will be fewer electronic devices laying around, both in the home and in landfills. And it benefits the charities that receive the funds from these phones.

It’s a little gesture that can go a long way, and it’s simple, too. So gather up all of your old electronics that haven’t been used in years, and visit Recycling for Charities to donate them.

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