Recycle that cell phone

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Seems like nearly everyone has an extra cell phone lying about, unless of course, you're one of the unlucky few who have had their phone lost or stolen. If you're one of the latter, consider the things you can do with your extra cell phone to pass it along to someone else who might make use of it.

1) Because your cell phone can still dial 911 for emergency services, consider donating your phone to a battered women's shelter, halfway house, or homeless shelter. Many of these take phones that are still usable, but remember to bring your cell phone chargers.

2) Take your cell phone to your local retailer. Many corporate carrier stores will offer postage paid envelopes for cell phones in any condition, just pop in your cell phone accessories, mobile phones, and batteries into the provided envelope, seal it up, and drop it in your mailbox. These phones are repaired for donation, or recycled properly to keep those toxins out of the environment.

3) Recycle your cell phone for cash. If your phone has just been upgraded, and is in good condition, there are quite a few websites out there that will take your phone and give you money in return. BlackBerry and Best Buy offer a trade in program that will give you money for your old cell phones.

4) EBAY or Craigslist. Want to try your hand at selling your phone? Give eBay or Craigslist a shot. Many people will pay extra money to purchase a phone without a contract, especially if it's a popular model or smartphone. eBay is a little safter, but Craigslist often provides a quicker rate of return. Phones sold on websites often fetch a higher price than if you trade in your phone for cash. You can increase the amount of the sale by having your cell phone unlocked or reflashed for another provider. People will pay extra for phones that will work on more than one carrier, especially higher end smartphones.

With thousands of cell phones just lying around, take some time to consider what phones you have lying about and what you can do to move them to something usable for someone else. Not only will the next person who uses your phone be grateful, but you will be doing your part to keep the earth a little greener.