Cell phones are one of the most overlooked problems that contribute to horrendous amounts of waste each year. Over 20 million cell phones end up in landfill every year and release toxic chemicals which can pollute ground water and contaminate the earth. Old cell phones can be reused and recycled through various methods rather then just being tossed away or ending up in a drawer somewhere.
Each year, cell phones create approximately 65,000 tons of waste that end up in landfills throughout the world. What many people do not know is cell phones that are thrown away can end up polluting 132,000 liters of water when they are not recycled properly. In addition, these 500 million tossed cell phones contribute to the destruction of the environment by the leaking of mercury, flame retardants, cadmium, and arsenic into ground water and streams. For many cell phones, the average time that a person will keep them is for less than 18 months before it is discarded and ends up in the trash.
Cell phones contain precious metals, such as gold and copper, that are in limited supply and can be reused in other electronics. These valuable metals are also recycled down to the smallest piece of copper. These metals are in limited supply throughout the world and could be valuable in using them for a range of items. Furthermore, recycling these cell phones is a government regulation that can also earn you a tax deduction. For doing your part in the helping the environment, donations are compensated in addition to the feeling of having doing a beneficial service for those who are less fortunate.
Donating a cell phone can also help the elderly by giving them a means to communicate with 911. Despite not having a service plan, the FCC requires that all working cell phones be capable of calling an emergency number for help in the case of an accident. Recycled cell phones are also given to senior centers, people with disabilities, and those on a limited income who may not have access to a cell phone. These cell phones are also given to women's shelters where a recycled phone can even save the life of a person who may be a victim of domestic violence and may be in desperate need of a cell phone to make a call when it is most important.
Most of the cell phones that people donate online or at various drop-box locations around the nation will end up at P4C Global where they are tested, refurbished, used for parts, or resold to developing countries that may not be able to afford the latest phones on the market. In addition, P4C Global is a environmentally-responsible effort to collect old cell phones and and donates to various charities including local Red Cross chapters throughout the world.
P4C Global was founded by Steve Hopwood who had a vision of providing communication to people who may not be able to provide it for themselves. Started in a small apartment in 2002, Steve Hopwood created a moralistic company that was able to not only help people but the environment as well. P4C Global is a company that is concerned with saving the environment and reducing the amount of cell phones that end up polluting our landfill.
