In the last few decades, cell phones have become one of the main sources of communication. We have to recycle it when it's not in use. The number of cellphones and various cellular devices in circulation today is becoming a reason for an increasing environmental problem. Cordless phones are typically composed of 40% plastic, 40% metal, and 20% ceramic.
Among these metals, there are several poisonous metals such as lead, arsenic, cadmium, and others. All of these elements damage the atmosphere by releasing toxins into it. There are many reasons and options for recycling a cell phone, and few people do. Several groups for scrap metal recycling in Sydney, NSW called Tecbo Group Pty Ltd. work in collecting and recycling old mobile phones that are thrown by many people.
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The life cycle of a cell phone is: it is made from raw materials, sold, then used by the owner, and then thrown away. The problem lies in the disposal of the cell phone. Some users use them in the trash while others send them for recycling. Only 3% of the world's population gives it away for recycling. The phones that are provided for recycling by the owner are reused or renewed. From there useful components and raw materials are recovered. The reclaimed raw materials reduce the need for new mines to manufacture new mobile devices.
Renewed raw materials are donated or sold to charity. Discarded cell phones contribute 65,000 tonnes of toxic materials every year. Electronic devices such as telephones extract many harmful substances into the soil, which in turn pollute groundwater. They not only pollute soil and water but also air when burned in an incinerator. Therefore, it is recommended that unused phones be given to recyclers so that they can be disposed of in a healthy manner.