Mobile Phones

How should I dispose of my old cell phone?

Because cell phones and other electronic items contain hazardous materials and are highly recyclable, disposing of them in a landfill is not the best way to manage them. Donating your cell phone for reuse is an environmentally preferred alternative to disposal. Many schools, non-profit and charitable organizations often accept working cell phones and electronic items. For recycling centers in your area, see the Ohio Department of Natural Resources’s Web page at http://ohiodnr.com/tabid/15382/Default.aspx.

If your cell phone is from a business and you do not recycle it, you must evaluate it to determine if it exhibits a characteristic of hazardous waste. For more information, visit: Ohio EPA’s guidance “Management of Electronic Waste from Businesses.”