Is it illegal to throw away old cell phones?

I ran across an internet add that said it’s illegal to trash old cell phones. I was wondering if this is true?

Answer by Yo it’s Me
They probably want you to donate them to some cause (or they want you to send it some place so they can get your personal info off of it). Or maybe the batteries are suppose to be disposed of in some special way (like the mercury containing compact florescent lights), but until someone tells me an EASY way to dispose of either, I’m tossing them in the trash, meaning me not having to drive 12 miles to the county waste transfer station. (Oh and by the way, one one of those compact mercury bulbs that I bought in May 2007 and is suppose to last for 5 to 10 years died on me last week, and into the dumpster it went).

Answer by Martha
It may be illegal in some states, but I don’t think that’s a federal law.

But batteries in cell phones are really toxic and bad for the environment. When you get a new cell phone you should recycle or donate it. Lots of womens shelters accept used cell phones–they give them to abuse women so that they can call 911. I also just found out about www.cellphonesforsoldiers.com–they send cell phones to deployed soldiers so that they can call their families.

Answer by Tom
They contain many potentially hazardous substances as well as many valuable ones.

It is better to have them recycled or, if usable, given to something like a battered women’s program. Even if they are not actively on a service, they can be used to dial 9-1-1.

Take a few extra minutes to do that and maybe you will save someone’s life.

Add your own answer in the comments!

Ive got two old cell phones and they arent really worth anything. Ive got a bunch more but i wanted to make these two cell phones into walkie talkies for my brother and i. They are the same exact thing. How would i be able to do this wireless?

Answer by Thunder Elman
huh, sounds interesting. Google it.
but i guess you would have to buy new radios for the phones.

What do you think? Answer below!
South Ark Students Donate Cell Phones to Troops
                El Dorado is collecting old cell phones for troops. South Arkansas Community College is spear heading the cell phone drive. The proceeds from all of the donated phones will go toward purchasing calling cards for the service men and women overseas to call home.                 In El Dorado unwanted cell phones can be dropped off at Amer-Cable, Poppy’s Pizza, South Arkansas …
Read more on NBC 10 – FOX 14 Monroe

An old cell phone commercial from the late 1980′s. Quite compact…
Video Rating: 4 / 5