Electronic waste is a growing problem worldwide, and Australia is no exception. Every year, Australians throw away millions of tonnes of electronic devices, including cell phones, and this has significant environmental and health consequences.
While we may not always think about where our old cell phones go when we dispose of them, it’s important to understand the impact of electronic waste and the options available for responsible disposal.
In this article, we’ll explore where old cell phones go after we’re done with them and why it matters. We’ll discuss the impact of electronic waste on the environment and the harmful components that makeup cell phones, as well as the options for disposing of old cell phones.
We’ll also provide tips on how to reduce electronic waste and the benefits of responsible disposal.
The Problem of Electronic Waste
Australia is one of the most technologically advanced countries in the world, and as such, it generates a significant amount of electronic waste.
In fact, according to a report by the Australian Bureau of Statistics, electronic waste accounted for almost 7% of the total waste generated in Australia in 2018-19.
The causes of electronic waste in Australia are manifold. Firstly, the fast-paced nature of technology means that consumers are encouraged to upgrade their devices regularly, which results in a constant influx of electronic waste. 
Additionally, the increasing popularity of e-commerce and online shopping means that more electronic devices are being purchased and shipped, resulting in more waste.
Moreover, inadequate policies and regulations for electronic waste management and disposal mean that a significant amount of electronic waste ends up in landfills, posing a serious threat to the environment.
The impact of electronic waste on the environment is significant. Electronic devices contain harmful chemicals such as lead, mercury, and cadmium, which can contaminate the soil and water when they are not disposed of properly.
Additionally, electronic waste in landfills can release harmful gases such as methane and carbon dioxide, contributing to global warming.
What Happens When You Throw Away Your Cell Phone?
When you throw away your old cell phone, it usually ends up in a landfill. In landfills, electronic devices can take up to 500 years to decompose, and they can release harmful chemicals and gases that pollute the environment.
Electronic waste is especially harmful because it contains a range of toxic components, including lead, cadmium, mercury, and arsenic. When these components are released into the environment, they can contaminate the soil and water and pose a serious threat to human and animal health.
Additionally, the batteries in cell phones contain lithium, which can be explosive and cause fires when not disposed of properly.
The problem with landfills is that they are not designed to handle the electronic waste. Electronic devices that end up in landfills can leach harmful chemicals into the soil and water, which can then contaminate nearby ecosystems.
Furthermore, landfills are not equipped to manage the quantity of electronic waste being generated, which means that they are quickly becoming overwhelmed with electronic waste.
Options for Disposing of Old Cell Phones
There are several options for disposing of old cell phones, and each has its own advantages and disadvantages. One option is to recycle the phone.
When cell phones are recycled, the components are broken down, and the raw materials are reused to make new products. This not only reduces the amount of electronic waste in landfills but also conserves natural resources and reduces the carbon footprint of electronic production.
In Australia, there are many recycling programs that accept old cell phones, including the MobileMuster program run by the Australian Mobile Telecommunications Association.
Another option is to sell or donate the phone. This can be a great way to give your phone a second life and also earn some money in the process. There are several online marketplaces where you can sell your old cell phone, such as eBay or Gumtree, or you can donate it to a charity that accepts electronic devices. 
Donating your phone is a great way to support a good cause and also ensures that the phone will be reused by someone who needs it.
The most important thing is to ensure that your old cell phone is disposed of responsibly rather than ending up in a landfill. Recycling or selling/donating your phone are both great options and can help to reduce the amount of electronic waste generated in Australia.
Tips for Responsible Disposal of Old Cell Phones
By following these tips, you can ensure that your old cell phone is disposed of in a responsible and environmentally friendly way. Remember, responsible disposal is crucial in order to reduce the impact of electronic waste and protect the environment for future generations.
Back up your data and erase your personal information
Before disposing of your old cell phone, make sure to back up any important data such as photos, contacts, and messages.
Once you have backed up your data, erase your personal information from the phone. This can usually be done by performing a factory reset, which wipes all data from the phone and restores it to its original settings.
Choose a responsible recycling program
When recycling your cell phone, make sure to choose a program that is reputable and responsible.
Look for programs that are certified by e-Stewards or the Responsible Recycling (R2) program, which ensure that the electronics are recycled in a way that is environmentally responsible and socially ethical.
Remove the battery
The batteries in cell phones can be hazardous when not disposed of properly, as they can leak and cause fires. Before recycling or donating your cell phone, remove the battery and dispose of it separately. Many recycling programs accept batteries for proper disposal. 
Consider selling or donating
If your old cell phone is still in good condition, consider selling or donating it instead of recycling it.
Selling your phone can be a great way to earn some extra money while donating it can help someone in need. Make sure to erase your personal information from the phone before selling or donating it.
Look for e-waste collection events
Many cities and communities offer e-waste collection events, where residents can drop off their old electronics for proper disposal. Look for events in your area and take advantage of them to dispose of your old cell phone in a responsible way.
Conclusion
The issue of electronic waste is a pressing concern in today’s society, and it is important to be aware of the impact that our old cell phones can have on the environment. When we throw away our phones, they often end up in landfills, where they can release harmful chemicals and gases that pollute the environment.
However, there are several options for disposing of old cell phones in a responsible way, including recycling, selling, donating, and attending e-waste collection events.
By following these tips, we can ensure that our old cell phones are recycled or reused in a sustainable manner, reducing the amount of electronic waste generated in Australia.
As individuals, we have the power to make a difference by making responsible choices when it comes to disposing of our electronic devices. By choosing to recycle or donate our old cell phones, we can help to reduce the impact of electronic waste and protect the environment for future generations.
