More Cell Phones Recycled, But Numbers Are Still Low

Credit: http://www.tmcnet.com/usubmit/2008/02/06/3251950.htm

This is a really interesting article. It explores how much of the general U.S. consumer population actually recycle their old cellphones when they get new cellphones. The article says that about 9.4% of consumers who buy new phones will recycle their old cellphones. The article paints an optimistic tone on the increase in the response of recycling cellphones from U.S. consumers.

This doesn't really apply to me yet as I have been using the same cellphone for 4-5 years and have yet to get a new cell phone. But I think with the bigger emphasis on being green and environmentally friendly these days, it makes sense that people are considering more and more about doing their part. I know that corporations are trying to push for this from the consumer so they can recycle parts, ultimately becoming more efficient and possibly reducing costs. I know that HP and Dell do a lot of recycling programs that involve ink catridges, computers, and monitors for example.

But I also realize that there used to be a time when recycling was more costly than beneficial. Nowadays, I pick up a magazine, like Forbes or Money, and start seeing articles about how entrepeneurs are benefitting from recycling trash or old products. I know that there is a business in India that has been selling discarded goods to other parts of the world and I am pretty sure there are many businesses that have benefitted from the concept of recycling in different ways.

I think the next step in the recycling process is establishing an efficient waste management system. It is so easy to throw away things that the costs easily add up. I always hear about the stereotypical offices that discard stacks of paper with stuff written on it. Maybe businesses should start "alliances" with recycling centers and get some incentives through the recycling of old documents they give to these recycling centers in return for affordable recycled materials.

I think with cellphones, the consumer is more inclined to get a new cellphone because it has features that they want. This encourages more consumption, which results in more waste. My solution to increasing awareness of recycling cellphones would apply to the cellphone providers. The cellphone providers could offer cash back offers or discounts on old cellphones that consumers no longer want to use. That way the cell phone providers or the cell phone makers can reuse/recycle these products themselves result in less raw materials needed for future cellphones.