Why Keeping an Old Cell Phone at Home Can Be Dangerous

Why Properly Disposing of Old Phones is Essential

Old cell phones and smartphones abandoned in drawers, hidden underneath layers of dust.
This happens because people often replace their smartphones not because they are permanently broken, but because the model is outdated or the performance and speed of the device are no longer up to par.
Therefore, they prefer to keep the old phone as a backup in case the new one needs repairs or breaks suddenly.

However, a portion of the population decides to keep even non-functioning phones in drawers.
Yet, regardless of the reason for hoarding old smartphones, no one seems to worry about the potential “side effects.”

The Dangers of Keeping an Old Phone at Home

As experts have repeatedly pointed out, cell phones and smartphones are electronic waste and, as such, contain substances that, while not problematic during normal use, can be harmful to the environment if stored incorrectly or end up in municipal waste.

For instance, an outdated battery could start leaking and releasing hazardous substances into the environment.
Highly flammable substances that could cause a fire in the event of a short circuit.

The same issue could arise if smartphones end up in unsorted waste.
The phone is made up of various components and metals, including gold, and some of them could pose risks if dispersed in the environment.
Therefore, to avoid inhaling or coming into contact with hazardous substances, it is essential for owners to take the time and effort to properly dispose of their smartphones.

How to Properly Dispose of an Old Phone

Recycling the phone is the best decision one can make.
One could choose to donate their smartphone to relatives or people in need or find a new use for that slightly outdated but still functional device.
If, instead, the decision is to discard the phone, the owner should dispose of it correctly to reduce waste, protect the environment, and public health.

First and foremost, every consumer is advised for a “responsible disposal” that also safeguards their privacy.
It is recommended to always erase all information related to their identity: passwords, photos, contacts, messages, and sensitive data are among the most vulnerable and intimate elements of everyone.
It’s better to take a few minutes to perform a factory data reset on the old phone.

There are various methods to correctly recycle the old phone.
Since they are electronic waste, phones should be disposed of at ecological centers and WEEE specialized centers in the various Italian municipalities.
To find the nearest collection center or ecological island, simply consult the website of one’s municipality of residence.

Additionally, not many are aware that even local phone shops are legally obliged to collect old unused devices when purchasing a new phone.
Furthermore, large superstores over 400 square meters are even required to take back devices smaller than 25 centimeters, without necessarily having to purchase a new device.

Finally, there is one last option to dispose of one’s phone.
Online sales sites are also obligated to collect the old smartphone when buying a new one.
During the order, the sites should present the “WEEE Withdrawal” option to allow the customer to return the old phone upon delivery of the new one.
In case this option is not available, the consumer has the right to contact customer service to enforce their right.

In conclusion, there are plenty of options, so it’s important not to be overcome by laziness, risking keeping old phones with the aforementioned dangers.
Each of the methods listed above is valid for protecting oneself and the environment through proper and safe disposal of old smartphones.