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Cell Phone Number Portability Presents Environmental Concern
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Added: 05/23/2004
Type: Summary
Viewed: 761 time(s)
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Cell Phone Number Portability Presents Environmental Concern
Since cell phone "number portability" began on November 24, 2003 there have been at least 2.6 million wireless customers who now find themselves with an unused cellular phone and no idea what to do with it, according to the
Federal Communications Commission.
The rules first went into effect last November in the 100 most populous metropolitan areas, effecting 70 percent of the population. On May 24 the rest of the country came under the same rules enabling you to keep your phone number as you go from one provider to another, and each time you end up with a new phone and no idea what to do with the old one.
During the month of April 2004 there were 613,000 consumers who switched cell companies and kept their old number, according to FCC reports. That translates to 10 million a year, adding to the 130 million who already make the switch to get a new and better phone or to take advantage of better rates and plans.
So, what happens to all those old cell phones? Many clutter up desk drawers and closets, but far too many are ending up in landfills, and that is a real threat to the environment according to the Environmental Protection Agency.
"Most people are not aware how dangerous used cell phones can be," said James Mosieur CEO of RMS Communications Group, Inc. "Studies by the EPA and others show that circuit boards in cell phones contain myriad toxins such as arsenic, antimony, beryllium, cadmium, copper, lead, mercury, nickel, and zinc. Brominated flame retardants are found in the plastic housing, printed wiring board, and cables. The lithium-ion and nickel-metal hydride batteries contain heavy metals
such as cobalt, zinc, and copper. Many of these chemicals are Persistent Bioaccumulative Toxins (PBTs) and have the potential to be released into the air and groundwater when burned in incinerators or disposed of in landfills, thus creating unnecessary threats to human health and the environment."
To help consumers, carriers, and retailers deal with this huge avalanche of used wireless phones, RMS launched CellForCash.com and began a campaign informing people that their retired cell phones may still be of value.
Thousands of people each month are currently selling their unwanted cell phones to RMS using the innovative website. CellForCash.com makes it easy to turn in old phones, and they will even provide for shipping. |
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