CollectiveGood collects old cell phones to benefit the environment Reprinted with permission from CollectiveGood CollectiveGood is founded on principles of environmental responsibility. Through their recycling program, CollectiveGood protects the environment by keeping tons of toxic waste from entering landfills every month. CollectiveGood recycles practically all of the material received, either for their materials components, or into reuse. Though reuse is the highest form of recycling, causing the least drain on resources for the maximum benefit, recycling all of the materials possible is critical to true environmental stewardship. CollectiveGood "closes the loop" by recycling everything from the phones, their batteries, chargers, accessories - even the boxes and donation forms.

Mobile phones and other mobile devices (pagers, PDAs) present a growing threat to the environment. As of 2003, there are more than 500 million mobile phones waiting to be recycled in the US; either in drawers, or already in the waste stream. Another 100 million or so will be added this year and even more next year. Once in the waste stream, these devices may leak Lead, Mercury, Cadmium, Arsenic and other toxic substances into the water supply. Municipalities often incinerate their waste, instantly putting these toxic elements into the air, and they return to earth in rain water. Since life on Earth depends on water, the threat is clear. We proudly participate in EPA programs, and maintain close supervision of the disposition of all materials processed through our EPA approved partners.

Toxic materials:

Lead

Lead can cause damage to the central and peripheral nervous systems, blood system and kidneys in humans. Effects on the endocrine system have also been observed and its serious negative effects on children's brain development has been well documented. Lead accumulates in the environment and has high acute and chronic toxic effects on plants, animals and microorganisms.

Consumer electronics constitute 40 percent of lead found in landfills. The main concern in regard to the presence of lead in landfills is the potential for the lead to leach and contaminate drinking water supplies. The main applications of lead in computers are:

(1) soldering of printed circuit boards and other electronic components

(2) glass panels in computer monitors (cathode ray tubes) Between 1997 and 2004, over 315 million computers will become obsolete in the USA.

This adds up to about 1.2 billion pounds of lead!

People, animals, and fish are mainly exposed to lead by breathing and ingesting it in food, water, soil or dust. Lead accumulates in the blood, bones, muscles and fat. Infants and young children are especially sensitive to even low levels of lead.

Damages organs -Lead causes damage to the kidneys, liver, brain and nerves, and other organs. Exposure to lead may also lead to osteoporosis (brittle bone disease) and reproductive disorders.

Affects the brain and nerves - Excessive exposure to lead causes seizures, mental retardation, behavioral disorders, memory problems and mood changes. Low levels of lead damage the brain and nerves in fetuses and young children, resulting in learning deficits and lowered IQ.

Affects the heart and blood - Lead exposure causes high blood pressure and increases heart disease, especially in men. Lead exposure may also lead to anemia, or weak blood.

Affects animals and plants - Wild and domestic animals can ingest lead while grazing. They experience the same kind of effects as people who are exposed to lead. Low concentrations of lead can slow down vegetation growth.

Affects fish - Lead can enter water systems through runoff and from sewage and industrial waste streams. Elevated levels of lead in the water can cause reproductive damage in some aquatic life and cause blood and neurological changes in fish and other animals.

Mercury

When inorganic mercury spreads out in the water, it is transformed to methylated mercury in the bottom sediments. Methylated mercury easily accumulates in living organisms and concentrates through the food chain particularly via fish. Methylated mercury causes chronic damage to the brain.

It is estimated that 22 pecent of the yearly world consumption of mercury is used in electrical and electronic equipment. It is basically used in thermostats, (position) sensors, relays and switches (e.g. on printed circuit boards and in measuring equipment) and discharge lamps. Furthermore, it is used in medical equipment, data transmission, telecommunications, and mobile phones.

Mercury is also used in batteries, switches/housing, and printed wiring boards. Although this amount is small for any single component, 315 million obsolete computers by the year 2004 represent more than 400,000 pounds of mercury in total.

Cadmium

Cadmium compounds are classified as toxic with a possible risk of irreversible effects on human health. Cadmium and cadmium compounds accumulate in the human body, in particular in kidneys. Cadmium is adsorbed through respiration but is also taken up with food. Due to the long half-life (30 years), cadmium can easily be accumulated in amounts that cause symptoms of poisoning. Cadmium shows a danger of cumulative effects in the environment due to its acute and chronic toxicity.

In electrical and electronic equipment, cadmium occurs in certain components such as SMD chip resistors, infrared detectors and semiconductors. Older types of cathode ray tubes contain cadmium. Furthermore, cadmium is used as a plastic stabilizer.

Between 1997 and 2004 over 315 million computers will become obsolete and this represents almost 2 million pounds of cadmium content.

How does CollectiveGood help?

CollectiveGood is an active supporter and participates in both the EPA WasteWise program, as well as a national level sponsor of the Plug into e-cycling program. To answer some questions...

Q: What is the purpose of the CollectiveGood mobile phone recycling program?

A: The CollectiveGood mobile phone recycling program serves several important purposes:

There are more than 500 million used mobile phones in the US sitting on shelves or in our landfills, and another 125 million will be added to the shelves or landfills this year alone! The problem is growing at a rate of more than 2 million phones per week, putting tons of toxic waste into our landfills daily. This mountain of toxic waste poses a major threat to the environment, and an equally large opportunity to re-channel these devices into productive reuse. The program is based on the goal of diverting these useful devices from harming the environment, and helping charities raise money so they can pursue more of their good deeds. Please note that pagers and PDAs (like Palm Pilots) are accepted as well.

CollectiveGood attempts to recycle donated phones back into reuse in the developing world (usually Latin America or the Caribbean), where they serve useful, longer lives and offer affordable communications, in many cases offering families their first modern communications. This helps bridge the digital divide, improving the quality of life for people in the developing world, and even helps their economies.

Q: What kinds of phones are you trying to collect?

A: CollectiveGood accepts makes and models of mobile phones from all over the world, and pagers and PDAs too. Every mobile phone can be recycled. Be sure to include the batteries and other accessories too!

Q: How do I establish a value for my donated phone?

A: Typically the tax-deduction value for the phone is determined by the date and price of purchase, depreciated at 20% a year, and for donations valued at less than $250, no receipt is required. However, we are not able to give you personalized tax advice, and suggest you discuss the matter with an accountant or tax advisor, as there are many possible situations that impact the valuation of the donated phone(s).

Q: Where can I donate my used mobile phone?

A: On your next visit to Southface, bring your phones and other small electronics, with a business card attached, and drop it in our Collective Good recycling bin.