Many of us throw away old cell phones, even though they are still functional. Cell phones contain precious and non-ferrous metals, as well as detrimental elements, chemicals and contaminants. One ton of old cell phones can yield approximately 280 grams of gold, 140 grams of platinum and palladium, and 63 kilograms of copper. Recycling just a million cell phones reduces greenhouse gas emissions equal to taking 1,368 cars off the road for a year.
Cell phones should not be thrown away in a regular trash container.
The U.S. Army Garrison Stuttgart Directorate of Public Works operates collection points for expired and unusable hazardous wastes on all garrison installations. Old cell phones can also be disposed of in drop boxes at these sites.
Drop off points are at Patch Barracks, Building 2316; Kelley Barracks, Building 3371; Panzer Kaserne, Building 2958; and Robinson Barracks, Building 139.
