Donate old cell phones for reuse

Cell phones, like so many technological devices, become dated quickly.

In the United States, an estimated 1 billion mobile phones are just sitting abandoned, idling in junk drawers.

Why not put your old phone or phones, working or not, to better use?

Here are two ways to donate your phone for the good of the planet and, perhaps, your fellow man.

Domestic Violence Services of Snohomish County is asking for donations of old cell phones.

Cell phones with no service still can be used to dial 911.

Phones that are donated with chargers and are chargeable are given to Snohomish County domestic violence victims who need them for safety reasons.

Other phones are sold to recyclers to help raise funds for the Everett-based nonprofit organization.

See www.dvs-snoco.org/donatecell for a list of drop-off sites, including Zippy’s Java Lounge, 1804 Hewitt Ave., Everett, or call 425-259-2827, ext. 13, if you have questions about the phone-donation program.

CollectiveGood Mobile Phone Recycling refurbishes old cell phones for reuse in developing countries. You can drop your phone off at any Staples location.

See www.collectivegood.com for more information, including how to recycle your extra phones in exchange for free music credits at Musictoday.com.

Cell phones shouldn’t be thrown in the garbage because they contain lead, mercury and other potentially toxic materials. They also contain valuable, recyclable materials such as copper.

Sarah Jackson: 425-339-3037, sjackson@heraldnet.com.