BRISTOL, Va. - There's a flip side to that newfangled cell phone found under
the Christmas tree. Sooner or later, the outdated cell phones clogging the
kitchen drawer have to go.
However, when they do go, don't forget that those electronic beeps and
whistles are powered by mercury, cadmium, lead and other toxic metals destined
to seep into, and out of, a landfill. And toxic metals, such as mercury, can
cause brain and kidney damage, as well as cancer, when released into the ground
and air, the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality reports.
So, instead of dumping outdated gadgets and gizmos into the trash can,
environmental and industry leaders recommend recycling, which, in the case of
electronics, is known as e-cycling.
For nearly six years, Bristol Virginia Public Works has picked up laptops,
monitors and even fluorescent light tubes left in marked boxes by the curb. As
part of a statewide e-cycling effort, the technology is carted off during
regular pickups.