Three classes of people prefer a life without a mobile phone - the holy, the mad, and the dead. For the rest, a mobile phone is as important as their left hand, if not the right. Just imagine the scenario of losing your mobile phone - it would be almost as bad as losing a near and dear one. With no contacts, music and sundry other applications on your fingertips, which make your day (and night) run smoothly, you would feel like the life size cutout of nihilism. Indeed, we are bound to the cell phone in today's world, whether for good or for bad. This has led to an explosion in the production of these phones, with daddy, mommy, and juniors holding one each, and sometimes even two. New models with cutting edge technology are pushing the boundaries further. Today, a mobile phone is not merely a device to make calls; it is an extension of one’s self and of one’s individuality. Therefore, we have the latest models for grabs and the outdated ones are being cast away. However, little do we realize the tremendous ecological hazard that we are unleashing in its wake. Like all electronic goods, mobile phones also contain harmful substances like cadmium, lead, beryllium, brominated  flame retardants etc, which adversely affect not only the environment, but also the human health. So, rather than throwing away your old cell phone recycling becomes a better option. If you are ready to do the same, check out the lines that follow and find some very useful tips on recycling mobile phones.

How To Recycle Your Old Cell Phone

• First of all, dismantle your cell phone. Separate its various components, like batteries, circuit boards, chargers, plastic and cardboard. The batteries contain NiCad, NiMetHyd and Lithium ion that are very harmful for the environment. 

• The batteries should be stored and packed, so that they can be sent to approved recyclers. It may be necessary for you to first contact the recycling company and then pack and send the batteries according to their guidelines. Since batteries are very risky, it is better for you to check the credentials of the recycling company beforehand.

• Another hazardous item in mobile phones is the circuit boards. For this also, you must contact the company that specializes in processing circuit boards. 

• Plastic materials can be sent to any local plastic recycle companies. Do not dump plastics. Though they look harmless, they are one of the most harmful environmental pollutants.

• If going through all the above seems troublesome, the best way of recycling is to donate your mobile phone to someone who can use it. Mobile phones can also be sold and reused again and again. Since they have a high resale value, this is a very good option. 

• Most mobile phone manufacturers take back an old cell phone and recycle it themselves. This is one of the most efficient ways to recycle your mobile phone. For this, check with your phone manufacturer, about the different modalities through which you can go about doing it.