Considering the vast proliferation of cell phones in the past few years, it is only a matter of time before users’ cell phone services expire, and they upgrade to a new phone. Unfortunately, most people just throw the old cell phone out, which is illegal in some states. Now landfills everywhere will be filled with cells that are still in working order, and is becoming an ever-growing environmental concern.

While cell phones may not be as common as aluminum cans or glass bottles, they can be recycled. A new organization called Cellular funds is assists non-profit groups by collecting used cell phones. They realize that out-of-date cell phones can still be of good use to those who cannot afford them. For example, reprogrammed phones could be given to spousal abuse victims so they can make quick 911 calls. They could also be redistributed to third world countries so that they can become part of the wireless community.

Via Cellular Funds