If predictions hold true, millions of cell phones will be put out to pasture starting in late November under a new rule allowing people to keep their phone numbers when switching cellular carriers.

Though many of those phones will find a dusty home in a cluttered desk drawer, millions could wind up in landfills, leaking toxic metals and chemicals into the ground.

More info here.

Recycleing would have to be the best option, Trade in the old phone for a new one then the manufactures could reuse parts and even make new of the old.

Where do i take them to be recycle??

Quote: Originally Posted by anime-fan-man Recycleing would have to be the best option, Trade in the old phone for a new one then the manufactures could reuse parts and even make new of the old.

This is old news I was able to carry over my number to a new subscriber last year. And it s true there has to be stock piles of phones somewhere! I have already been through 12 cellphones! Just to add my 2 cents!

Perhaps the most practical way to "recycle" the cellular phone is to take the entire package (cell phone, charger, etc) and drop it off at your local police station or government attorney's office (U.S. Attorney, District Attorney, States Attorney, etc.).

Although there is no service plan for these phones, cellular carriers are required to allow access to any signal received from any cellular phone that dials 911. These phones are typically given to spouses and/or children who have recently suffered physical abuse from (typically) a family member. The person who was abused carries the cellular phone with them at all times so they can dial 911 in any time of emergency.

Additionally, you might also think about giving it to your parents or another family member. Keeping it charged and in the glove box comes in real handy even for those that refuse to keep cellular phones (the trick is to remember to keep it charged).

As far as recycling the phones to be used again, it is primarily the battery that is the biggest concern. I'm not for sure but I think your local Wal-Mart offers a drop-off for batteries to be recycled. Otherwise, contact your local sanitation company and I'm sure that they will have an idea where to recycle your phones.

Rob

How about donating them to a school for electronics experiments?

Edit: Excellent tip Rob! I'll have to remember that for future road trips.

I don't know if all cell phone companies do this but Nextel has a recycle program for cell phones and batteries.