You might have heard of mobile recycling. It says "Don"t throw your mobile phone; give it for recycling". It is very essential to know what it is and why it is so important. Mobile recycling is the process of using old and rejected mobiles to make new mobile phones and other items as well.
Why is mobile recycling so important?...The ecological aspect:
Mobile phones are made up of heavy metals like lead, mercury, cadmium and arsenic which causes an adverse effect on human health. So when you throw your mobile phone into dustbin, it goes, along with other litter, to the landfill. You must note that mobile phones do not decompose. Instead it may release poisonous substances which can seep through the soil and pollute it. These harmful substances may even reach the ground water level making water unsafe for human use. The best solution is to give your cell phone for recycling. The ecological benefits are two-fold: First your mobile phone does not become a part of landfill. So it won"t harm the environment. Second the requirement for such metals will be low because most of the raw material is recovered by recycling. So there will be a lesser need to produce such metals making the environment a better place for humankind.
The economical aspect of mobile recycling:
The end product of complete recycling is the availability of raw materials for manufacturing new mobiles. So no doubt the process improves economy.
Helping the poor, disabled, old people:
The money raised by recycling of mobile phones goes to charity helping children and people with disabilities. There are many organizations who conduct specific recycling programs. You can always have a look at these organizations by surfing the net or just check out your nearest recycling centre. Not everyone collecting old and used mobile phones gives a part of the funds to charity, though this may contribute in building a better environment. If you particularly want to donate and earn good wishes from people, make sure that the collecting agent is associated with charitable organizations. There may a gift for you too. Special reward points can be earned by people who participate in the recycling programs conducted by various organizations. These points are redeemed later on.
The process of recycling: The following parts are recovered :
Metals - Useful metals are extracted by grinding various parts.
Plastic - Outer body plastic is extracted and reformulated.
Some parts for reuse - Parts like battery connectors, Integrated circuits (ICs), aerials, etc. are reused. Reuse is the best form of recycling.
How do you show that you are a responsible person?
It is estimated that more than 60% of used mobile phones are sitting in drawers in Europe. If you see too many mobile phones in your drawer just put it in a bag. Use the bag to collect more mobile phones from your office colleagues. Many cell phone manufacturers like Nokia have already started collecting old and used mobile phones for recycling purposes. So while using your mobile phones, keep it updated with the latest mobile downloads and technologies. But after using, donate it for recycling. It is your social and environmental responsibility to discard your mobile phone safely.
By M Kaur