DONATE YOUR OLD CELL PHONE

Your old cell phones are fossils to you - as in, chunky relics of a time in your past!

But while your old cell is useless to you, it could actually save somebody's life. Seriously! Donate your old cell phone and you could save the life of a victim of domestic violence, or a senior citizen in need.

Cell phone donation is an amazing way to clean out your junk, while doing something life-changingly positive for a person in need!

Even without a wireless service plan, donated cell phones are reusable, because any working mobile phone can dial a 911 call center (an FCC requirement). As a result, recycled cell phones can be used as emergency lifelines for senior citizens living alone, who are especially vulnerable to accidents.

Recycled cell phones are also an essential emergency item for women's shelters. Donated cell phones could save a life by connceting victims of domestic violence with instant access to emergency services.

Even if your cell is busted, or it's too old to be reused, donate it for recycling and you're helping to save our environment! Discarded cell phones account for a shocking 65,000 TONS of toxic waste each year. Cell phone recycling is critical because each cell phone can pollute up to 132,000 liters of water.

The good news is that mobile phone manufacturers have recognized the need for cell phone recycling, stepping up their efforts to stop this enormous threat to the environment. All five national mobile phone carriers in the U.S., and many in other countries, cooperate in a mobile phone recycling take-back plan, accepting unwanted cell phones at any of their retail locations nationwide. Exchanging your old cell phone when you upgrade is an easy way to recycle. If you want more information about this option, contact your phone service provider.

THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND:

Before donating your mobile phone to a needy organization (or before recycling it), erase any stored information, including your contact list, text messages, and listings of incoming/outgoing numbers. This is VERY important for your personal security and privacy. Many cell phones use a "master reset" to delete information quickly and easily. Also, verify that your account has been cancelled with your service provider, so you don't get any surprise bills.

Donate your unwanted cell phone by mail to The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, which collects and distributes working cell phones to victims of domestic violence so that they may call 911 for help in emergencies. You should mail your phone in a padded envelope. Get a postage-paid mailing label at this link .. (U.S. only)

Phones For Life gives seniors a lifeline by providing them with a 911-capable working mobile phone, enabling them to call for emergency help should they suffer an accident or emergency. Their drop-off locations are in a number of states, or you can donate your mobile phone by mail. (U.S. only)

Donate A Phone and Call to Collect have partnered to accept cell phones at convenient locations throughout your state, refurbishing and distributing the cell phones to domestic violence shelters in need. (U.S. only)

In Canada, The Charitable Recycling Program encourages the donation of used cell phones and will provide a monetary contribution to charity for each cell phone donated, regardless of age or condition. Start an old cell phone drive at your school, and you can clean up the environment and generate funds for charities! The website allows you to select charities of your choice to receive the donation payment from your phone. (Canada only)