How Do You Solve a Problem Like Cell Phone E-waste?

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From tweens furiously texting to businessmen incessantly checking for incoming e-mails, it is becoming increasingly difficult to tell where a person's hand ends and their phone begins. As cell phone usage continues to grow and phone companies regularly release newer, hipper Smartphones, though, electronic waste climbs simultaneously. According to a piece on Motherboard, one of the developed world's biggest exports is e-waste, and the problem is not slowing down anytime soon-a study from the UN predicts a 500 percent rise in e-waste in developing countries by 2020. So what can be done now to slow that astounding rise? Motherboard had a few thoughts on recycling:

...it's not easy to turn your old phone into someone's new phone. The best option may be to turn your phone over to an organization like Lifeline for Africa or its partner Recellular which turns your used phones into cash for charity. The EPA also has a guide to recycling, which reminds us that most cell phone stores will safely dispose of your phone.

Head over to Motherboard for more on the topic and links to the various recycling options. Know of any other programs out there for people who want to recycle their cell phones? Share below.Photo via Motherboard