Conservation group criticizes cell phone industry for lackluster recycling efforts
A report this month from Earthworks gives mobile phone companies a failing grade in recycling. Earthworks says less than two percent of the 130 million cell phones discarded each year are being recycled. Cell phones can contain lead, mercury and arsenic. The major carriers all have takeback programs, but Kimberlee Dinn of Earthworks says the industry is not doing enough.
The cell phone industry trade group, CTIA, did not return our phone calls, but earlier told the Associated Press that the industry should be praised for its voluntary efforts to promote cell phone recycling.