Congratulations, you've bought a new cell phone. If you're wondering what to do with your old cell phone, don't throw it out! Not only do cell phones contain toxic parts that can leak into landfills, but you can actually get money for your cellular junk.

There are a variety of initiatives for recycling used cell phones. Some give the phones to those in need here in the U.S. (like battered women's shelters), redistribute them in developing countries (where cell phones are often the only means for making long distance calls), refurbish them to resell, or take them apart for their component parts.

There are also larger charities, such as the Special Olympics that work with these kinds of organizations to run their own cell phone recycling fundraisers.

The average life of a cell phone is only 18 months and some estimates say that 150 million cell phones are being replaced a year. Odds are that you replaced your cell phone recently or plan to do so soon. If so, please donate or sell your phone to one of the many sites that collects used cell phones and put your old junk to good use.

The Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association (CTIA) runs a website called www.recyclewirelessphones.org that lists programs organized by the association's member companies. Some programs list physical locations where you can drop off your unused cell phones and others will send you a mailing label so you can simply drop your phone into the mail.

A quick search on the Internet also turns up a wide variety of other cash and charity programs:

http://www.grcrecycling.com
http://www.charitablerecycling.com
http://www.collectivegood.com
http://www.cellforcash.com
http://www.call2recycle.org
http://www.cashmyphone.com
http://www.oldcellphone.com

Whether you're interested in turning your cell phone in for cash, making a donation, or even starting your own fundraising program, look around to see which program offers the best deal for your phone or your cause. But don't wait too long. The sooner you send in your old cell phone the more it'll be worth to you or your charity of choice.

Note: Before you send in your cell phones or drop them off in a collection box, remember that it's your responsibility to:

1. Pay off your balance and terminate your service
2. Clear the cell phone's memory of contacts and other stored information
3. Remove your phone's SIM card, if it has one. Cell phones that operate on GSM networks use SIM Cards.

If you have questions about how to do this, contact your cell phone service provider.

Additional Information on Cell Phones