THE SCOPE OF THE PROBLEM
Due to their small size and rapid replacement cycle, cell phones are more likely to end up in the waste stream and contribute a growing portion of the toxic materials that end up in our landfills.
There are over 260,000 cell phone users (85% of the population) in the U.S. alone with nearly 1 Billion currently in retirement. It has been estimated that only 10% of unwanted cell phones are recycled each year.
HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENT
Cell phones and their accessories contain a large number of hazardous substances known as Persistent, Bioaccumulative and Toxic Chemicals (PBTs). Included in the list of PBTs are metals (e.g. antimony, arsenic, beryllium, cadmium, copper and lead) which can linger in the environment for a long time and have adverse effects on human health.
Recycling cell phones reduces greenhouse gas emissions, keeps valuable material out of landfills and incinerators, and conserves natural resources. Recycling just a million cell phones reduces greenhouse gas emissions equal to taking 33 cars off the road for a year.
ENDANGERED ANIMALS
An ore called Coltan (columbite-tantalite) is a source of the element tantalum which is an essential coating for components of cell phones. This ore is often found in the Congo in the middle of endangered gorilla and elephant habitats. These animals are being killed by rebel bands mining this ore. The U.N. has reported that in the past five years, the eastern lowland gorilla population in the Congo has declined 90%. Reducing the demand for Coltan will help save these animals and their habitat.
Dian Fossey Gorilla Foundation: Recycling Your Cell Phone Can Help Gorillas
IMPACT ON PEOPLE
Coltan, in addition to tin and tungsten, is a conflict resource. According to the ENOUGH PROJECT, these mineral ores, as well as gold, are key elements of electronics products including cell phones and personal computers, and also are the principal source of revenue for armed groups and military units that prey on civilians in eastern Congo. Congo’s mineral wealth did not spark the conflict in eastern Congo, but war profiteering has become the fuel that keeps the region aflame and lies beneath the surface of major regional tensions.
From Mine to Mobile Phone: The Conflict Minerals Supply Chain
THE SOLUTION
Make A Difference Starting Now!
Recycling cell phones helps the environment by saving energy and keeping useable and valuable materials out of landfills and incinerators. It also helps preserve important animal habitats by reducing the demand for Coltan. In addition to recycling cell phones and electronic waste it is critical that consumers demand conflict free electronic devices. Call or write your Representative and urge him/her to cosponsor the Conflict Minerals Trade Act HR 4128.
For a quick but thorough “debriefing” about the cell phone problem and solution, check out a video by INFORM, Inc. "The Secret Life of Cell Phones."
