On sidewalks, around street corners and in malls, Apple fans snatched up over 1.7 million of the new iPhone 4 in the first three days on sale, the tech giant says. But what happens when almost 2 million old cell phones are hung up?
Most end up stashed in drawers or closets, or tossed in landfills.
But the Environmental Protection Agency encourages consumers to recycle old phones with the help of a number of major electronics retailers who offer bins where consumers can toss unwanted devices.
Batteries and other components are later disposed of in line with the proper EPA guidelines.
You can also trade an old phone for savings or for cash. Stores like Radio Shack allow consumers to trade their old wireless phone in exchange for a gift card.
Consider a donation. Check with domestic violence shelters and senior centers in your area to see if they can put your old phone to new use.
Whatever method you decide, make sure you've cut off your service plan before
you turn the phone in and erase personal data manually with a data erasing tool
or by removing the SIM card.
